April 19, 2020

JOHN 20:19-31

 Welcome to the Sunday after Easter.  This Sunday is often called “Low Sunday” because attendance is usually low on this particular day.  However, I hope that each of you are worshipping on your own this morning, knowing that you we are connected as God’s Children no matter where we are.

This is also the Sunday that it is common to focus on Thomas and his doubts.  Thomas seems to be singled out, but he was not the only one who had doubts.  Mary Magdalene and the disciples, for example, in last Sunday’s Gospel reading also doubted that Jesus had risen from the grave until they had seen for themselves, and if we are willing to admit it, we too, at times have doubts.

In today’s Gospel reading, we see the disciples hiding out, for they feared for their lives.  We can imagine their nerves are on edge, and every little noise makes them wonder if there were abouts has been found out.  Although Jesus has appeared to the disciples before, Thomas was not there.  Now, all of a sudden, there is Jesus standing in their mist again.  We can imagine Thomas saying to himself, “Nawww,” this can’t be, I must be hallucinating, this is not how reality works.  My guess is that many of the others were also confused.  I am sure we have all been here ourselves at one time or another in our lives, we are clueless as to what it is all about, but we sit there acting as if we knew exactly what was taking place.  Yet, it was only Thomas who was brave enough to speak up and ask questions.  He wasn’t afraid to admit that he just did not understand what was taking place and how this could be.

We can understand why Thomas had said to his fellow disciples when they told him about Jesus’  earlier visit, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  Now, here is Jesus standing before him telling him, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Although Thomas has gotten a bad rap because of his doubts, he gives each of us an important message.  First, it is okay to question.  At times we all say to ourselves, that just can’t be possible.  It is just natural that we live our lives based on what we consider possible.  Our society encourages us to cling to science, we want to be able to see proof before we will believe.

Secondly, Thomas’ doubt shows us that Jesus understands us and forgives us when we doubt.  Notice the gentle way Jesus treats Thomas inviting him to touch and see for himself.  Just like Jesus did for Thomas, He meets us where we are.  We are each unique and different, our experiences and approach to life are different.  When we doubt, we can be sure that Jesus will approach us in a special manner and help us over the bump in the road.  Jesus can and will find a way to bless each of us.  It is comforting to know that doubt is a forgivable offense.  God does not condemn us when we question Him.  There are many examples in the Bible where individuals questioned God.  For example, both Job and David repeatedly questioned God.

Having doubt is not a bad thing that we do.  In fact, doubt is a healthy and useful thing when it comes to our faith.  We all experience doubt and there are many unanswerable questions when it comes to God.  Faith actually requires doubt in order to be faith.  I love this statement that I wrote in my little book where I keep quotes and sayings that I want to remember.  “If you ever arrive at a place where all your doubts are gone and all your questions are answered, take a deep breath and relax because you’ve arrived in heaven.”

Many people think doubt is the opposite of faith, but is isn’t.  Unbelief which refers to a willful refusal to believer, is the opposite of faith; while doubt refers to only an inner uncertainty.  In fact, doubt indicates that we have faith because we are struggling with God.  If we never struggle, our faith will never grow.

Until we can once again be together, face to face, let me leave you with the words Jesus spoke to the disciples that day, but on many other occasions. “Peace be to You.”  Let us rest in the power of the resurrection, knowing that we are Beloved Children of God.

Amen