Thomas, missed out but restored John 20:19-23
On the evening of the day, when Jesus had resurrected, Jesus appeared to a group of his disciples. They were together behind a locked door, as they were afraid of being persecuted by the Jewish leaders.
🌈 JESUS CAME AND STOOD AMONG THEM.. (v 19–23)
John writes that Thomas was not there when Jesus came and appeared to other disciples v 24.
Thomas missed the following gems
1️⃣ He missed out THE GREETINGS OF THE RESURRECTED LORD, “PEACE BE WITH YOU” v 19b, 21
2️⃣ He missed out THE JOY AND THE THRILL OF SEEING JESUS TOGETHER WITH HIS FRIENDS. v 20
3️⃣ He missed out THE FIRST HAND COMMISSION GIVEN TO HIS FRIENDS: As the Father has sent me, I am sending you v 21
4️⃣ He missed out THE ANOINTING: Jesus breathed on them and said, “RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT” v 22
5️⃣ He missed out TO RECEIVE THE FIRST HAND BLESSING OF FORGIVING OTHERS:. Jesus said, ” If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven…” v 23
6️⃣ Thomas missed out THE JOY OF SHARING THE GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS: “… the other disciples told him, WE HAVE SEEN THE LORD !! ” v 25
7️⃣ He missed out to be in THE FELLOWSHIP (… when the disciples were together v 19)
We are not told about the reason why Thomas failed to attend THE FIRST FELLOWSHIP (v 24) but it is good to see him joining the fellowship a week later (v 26).
🌈 Jesus was so kind to come and appear before Thomas and his friends with his greetings PEACE BE WITH YOU v 26b.
Turning to Thomas, He gently asked Thomas to convince himself by touching His nailed — pierced hands and side, and said, ” STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE”
Thomas immediately said, “MY LORD AND MY FOD “. Thus, he became the first disciple to address Jesus, ” My Lord and my God “.
🙋 Believers in Christ,
✅ This phrase STOP DOUBTING AND BELIEVE is for all of us
✅ In Christendom, FELLOWSHIP IS IMPORTANT AND FRUITFUL.
📌 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another… Hebrews 10:25
📌 Thomas faithfully responded to His Master’s call to come to India, and our nation is blessed to RECEIVE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
Glory to God 🙏
✍🏾 Mark Boje
Arunachal Pradesh, India 🇮🇳