John 20:24-29
Read John 20:24-29
Helpful Background Information:
The writer of 1 John establishes his credibility by claiming to testify as an eyewitness to Jesus Himself (1 John 1:2). Right away, he appeals to multiple senses like hearing, seeing, and touching to emphasize that he and the earliest believers encountered Jesus as God in human flesh (1 John 1:1). In His incarnation, Jesus didn’t just seem to be human. Rather, the New Testament writers consistently testify to the reality that Jesus really was fully human while being fully God (Colossians 2:8-9; Hebrews 2:14-18).
A scene in Jesus’ life where this truth was most clearly on display was at the end of the Gospel of John. After Jesus was crucified and buried, reports came back to Thomas (who was one of the twelve disciples) that He had been raised to life (20:24a). In response, Thomas infamously says, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe” (20:24b). A week later, we’re told that Jesus showed up and provided the exact tangible evidence that Thomas was looking for (20:26-27).
It’s no surprise, then, that the apostles (who had seen, heard, and touched the risen Jesus) chose to testify based on their first-hand encounters with Him. As was said in yesterday’s devotional, both the Gospel of John and the letter of 1 John appeal to the miraculous work of God that had been witnessed to establish the credibility of their testimony.
Reflection Questions:
Throughout Scripture, we see God graciously revealing Himself in personal ways. What makes Jesus the pinnacle of God’s self-disclosure?
Thomas refused to believe without tangible evidence. No doubt, there are many who identify with his cautious approach and perhaps even with his rather cynical attitude. How does Jesus’ response to Thomas in John 20 provide both comfort and challenge to those who are skeptical?
One of the primary vehicles for the spread of the gospel is the testimony and collective witness of God’s people. How can hearing the testimony of another Christian contribute to your spiritual growth? How might you testify to God’s work in your life as a way of encouraging someone you know this week?