Second Sunday of Easter 2016 – John 20:24-25

Thursday, March 31, 2016

John 20:24-25 – But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

Seeing is believing.  I imagine this is a phrase that most of us have used at least once.  A quick search about Thomas revealed that he is believed to have travelled to India to spread the Gospel.  Despite his moment of doubt, his faith remained strong, and he started churches as far away as India.  Among Christians in India he is often considered their Patron Saint.

God of the seen and unseen, we believe, but our faith can be weak at times.  Forgive our moments of doubt, and help us continue to serve you.  Amen.

Daily Devotion from the Church Health Center – John 20:26-30

Friday, April 29, 2011 – Easter 2, Year A

John 20:26-30 – A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book.

Despite his doubt, Thomas was still a trusted disciple of Jesus at the end of this scripture. None of us have perfect faith. All of us have doubts. The good news of the story of Thomas is that God still accepts and uses us, doubts and all, to better the Kingdom.

Prayer (From a responsive Prayer for Faith written by Rev. Cheryl Cornish, Pastor, First Congregational Church, Memphis, TN): Take what faith we have, O God! Guide it, grow it, resurrect it, so that we might experience the signs and wonders of a life of faith. AMEN.

Daily Devotion from the Church Health Center – John 20:24-25

Thursday, April 28, 2011 – Easter 2, Year A

John 20:24-25 – But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

How do we know someone is getting healthier? Their blood pressure drops to normal levels. Their hemoglobin A1c is stable between 4 and 6. They have lost 10% of their body weight. Not unlike “Doubting Thomas” our visible proof of health often takes the form of quantifiable test results. BUT by taking the spiritual dimension of people’s lives seriously, we also look to other signs of health – a smile on a face that once showed sadness, patience rather than frustration shown to a child during homework time, or forgiveness offered to someone toward whom bitterness once ruled.

Prayer: Wonderful God, be with us in our daily efforts to make people healthier in both body and spirit. AMEN.

Second Sunday after Easter, Year C – John 20:27-30

John 20:27-30 – Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book.

I don’t know about you, but I wish John had written more of those signs down. But seriously, I am comforted in my own times of doubt that even the disciples standing next to Jesus had trouble believing.

Prayer: Understanding God, our faith has peaks and valleys yet you remain steadfast in your love for us. Thank you. AMEN.