Did you note the discrepancy in the first of yesterday's pictures? Like most, it shows the 11 remaining Disciples sitting at the table with Jesus. The second one more accurately depicts the story in John where only 10 of the original 12 were present.
Today, along comes Thomas. He missed the first reunion, and he refuses to believe unless he can see Jesus for himself. Jesus tells him
Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe. (20:27)For this reason he has been called "Doubting Thomas" down through the centuries. In spite of the fact that nowhere in his Gospel does John call Thomas by that name. Every time Thomas appears, John adds "who was called the Twin." This is the man who according to tradition took Christianity to India. He is not someone either John, or the Jesus of his Gospel, holds in low esteem. Instead, this encounter sets up Jesus' concluding statement:
Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. (20:29)Which would be everyone but the handful of men and women who saw the resurrected Jesus first hand.
Which would be us.
Peace,
Jeffri
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