John 20:24-31 – Thomas
Christians can lose out when they don’t meet together with other Christians. That’s what happens to Thomas here. He is absent the first time Jesus appears to His disciples after the resurrection, and He misses a blessing. Maybe he has a good reason for not being there, but at such a critical time in the life of these followers, it seems hard to imagine anything worthwhile enough to keep him away. One thing is clear. By being absent he is kept in suspense and unbelief a whole week, while everyone around him is rejoicing in the thought of a risen Lord. We need to remember what the writer of Hebrews says, “Let us not give up meeting together….” (Hebrews 10:25) Never to be absent from God’s house on Sundays, without good reason, is one way to be a growing Christian. The very sermon we unnecessarily miss may have something vital in it that our souls desperately need to hear. The very gathering for prayer and praise from which we stay away, may be the very gathering that would have cheered, stabilised, and encouraged our hearts. We don’t realise how dependent our spiritual health is on little, regular helps, and how much we suffer if we miss our medicine.
Christ is very kind and merciful to slow believers. It’s hard to imagine anything more annoying than Thomas’ attitude. But no one is more patient and compassionate to Thomas than Jesus. He does not reject him, but comes and shows him the evidence he wants. We need to follow Christ’s example here and not be annoyed at those who aren’t where we’re at in our Christian life – instead we should help them lovingly.
Questions
- What did Thomas miss out on?
- Why should we go to church on Sunday?
- How does Jesus teach Thomas?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be faithful in our worship.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.