“But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ 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.”²⁶ 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.” ²⁷ 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.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ 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.” John 20:24-29

As readers and biblical scholars have examined the gospel stories over the years, the emphasis in which they are interpreted has also changed.  When I was growing up, I always heard people talk about the story of the “Prodigal Son.”  The interpretation of the story fell on the actions of the son who “comes to himself” and returns to his father seeking forgiveness.  Now, today, the emphasis is not on the Son but on the father and the text is referred to as the “Forgiving  Father.”  The text is more likely to be interpreted on the actions of the Father who comes running to the son to accept back the one who comes to himself.  The same is true about this text.  As I was growing up, I always heard this text referred to as the “Doubting Thomas” story.  The interpretation of the story most likely was on the reaction of Thomas who doubts the appearance of Jesus and needs to have physical proof – he must see it with his own eyes.  Thomas is therefore vilified for his “lack of faith.”  Today, you are just as likely to hear this story referred to as the “Confessing Thomas” story – interpreted on the actions of Jesus who comes to those who do not believe – who allows and even blesses those who are searching in their faith. Just because we are called to believe, well that does not mean that we cannot  question what they hear and believe. It is my opinion that a searching faith allows a person to fight through their doubts about Jesus – and then confess him as “My Lord and My God

Pastor Dave