The Other Six Days

Thomas is often infamously remembered as “Doubting Thomas,”  but is this an accurate label?  Indeed Thomas refused to accept Christ’s resurrection without physical evidence, but how does that set him apart from the others mentioned in the Gospel accounts? 

Doubting Thomas, by Guercino

Mary Magdalene thought that someone had stolen Jesus’ body before she encountered Jesus in person (John 20:2).  When she brought the news to the 11 disciples, they thought she was crazy (Luke 24:11).  Jesus rebuked all of the disciples — not just Thomas — “for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe” (Mark 16:13–14).  In what might have been Jesus’ last appearance before his ascension there were still “some who doubted” (Matthew 28:17).   Other than the single attention he gets in John 20:24-25, why label Thomas in such a way?

Thomas serves as a wonderful model of modern faith.  Instead, many Christians hold him up as a negative example because of his initial doubts.  He expressed his doubts fully and openly, unlike many Christians today.  When Jesus answered these doubts, he gladly believed.  His doubts were not arrogant, rebellious or self-centered, but rather his doubts had a greater purpose—he wanted to know the truth.

When we struggle with doubt, should we take encouragement from Thomas?  Is it right to ask God to prove Himself to satisfy our doubts?  Or must we take whatever He chooses to offer us and be content with it?  Consider the stories of Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:36-40), Elijah’s test (1 Kings 18:16-39), and yes — Thomas.

Peter's Denial, Carl Bloch

Peter warms himself next to two charcoal fires in the last chapters of John’s gospel:  In the court of the high priest where he denied Jesus, and having breakfast with Jesus after the resurrection (read John 21:15-19).

Peter must have thought that glance across the courtyard was the last time he would see Jesus, but the resurrection is the good news of second chances.  Jesus doesn’t stay dead, and Peter does not stay guilt ridden.  Peter renounced his discipleship in the high priest’s courtyard, but at breakfast Jesus reinstates him.

Resurrection means another charcoal fire, a meal with Jesus, and reconciliation —  for all of us.

Last Supper, by Carl Heinrich Bloch

The name of Judas Iscariot went down to the pages of history as the man who betrayed Jesus. Luke attributes this to Satan.  Matthew and Mark say it was because of greed.  John points to both, and also adds theft as a motivation (John 12:1-8).  I think if we could travel back in time to the first century and actually see Jesus and His disciples, we wouldn’t see Judas Iscariot as the sinister man we would suspect. In fact, he might even appear to be compassionate.

For example, when Mary began to wipe Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume Jesus was deeply touched, but it was Judas who pointed out that this costly perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor (John 12:1-8). Those listening may have thought, “That’s a good point.  You know, Judas is a good steward, and he has his priorities straight.”

John, of course, reminds us that people are not always as they appear.  As Jesus would say, people will eventually know us by the fruit we bear (Matthew 7:16, 12:33; Luke 6:43-44).

Spiritual growth. Spiritual formation. Spiritual. I use these words because I think they’re important, because I think we neglect these. But let’s not forget the body. Next week we remember our God who took on a human body, and subjected this body to torture and death. And of course, this same body was raised again to life. Judging from the numerous biblical references to the body (both Jesus’ and ours), what exactly does spirituality mean to a Christian? Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:1-10 are worth considering.

Julie’s dad worked hard this week to get this running again. Do we have the coolest parsonage or what?