Seen • John 20:19-31
By Clay Anthony
In our study of the Gospel of John, it should be clear that John wrote with eternity in mind. He desired for his readers to know that life did not end at death and that through Christ, it is possible to live in heaven with God forever.
Sounds simple enough for you and me but for someone reading this account for the very first time, it could seem preposterous. How can a solitary man make a way for humanity to have peace with God for all eternity? That’s the question that John answers with his Gospel message.
What we are studying today is a sort of losing argument based on this premise. We can go back to the death and resurrection of Lazarus and see where this argument began and receive a full picture of John’s efforts to point to Christ as the Way to eternal life.
It would seem to the remaining eleven disciples that once Jesus faced the cross that His ministry and their time together was complete. They were heartbroken and despondent. Then they receive news that He has risen just as He claimed and just as He demonstrated through Lazarus.
Perhaps there is more to the story. Now we see them holed up in a secret room (v. 19) when the risen Jesus appears to them. Perhaps now the story was complete. He had faced the Romans. He had shown up the Jews. He had gone to His death. He had come back from the grave. What else was there for Jesus to do?
As we read in verse 21, right then and there Jesus actually had not much left to do. We see that He was about to send out the disciples because it was their turn to take up the mantle and spread the Good News far and wide.
Just when these ragtags might be thinking that the end of the roller coaster ride was fast approaching, they learn that it was just getting started!
Note in verses 22-23 that Jesus did not leave them to their own devices. He understood that if the work was left up to people like Peter, James, Matthew, Andrew, John, and the others, it would not get far off the ground. (You can rightly assume Jesus knows this to be true about the writer of this article, as well.)
They were going on a mission, but not empty-handed or -hearted. The Holy Spirit would go before them and be within them so that each move and word that was made would be heaven sent.
These verses coupled with what we read in Acts 2 of the Holy Spirit’s coming ensures that the Gospel message will find its way to those in need by vessels that certainly need all of heaven’s help to accomplish the task.
We famously know that Thomas was absent from this meeting. He had not seen Jesus as the others had, and needed further convincing. We must not be too harsh on him for demanding more proof of life (v. 25). If we were in a similar situation and had witnessed the crucifixion, we too might need more evidence than word of mouth.
Instead, let us give Thomas credit for having the proper response to seeing the risen Lord.
In verse 28 we read Thomas’ response to seeing Jesus — and if we think about it, is this not the same response that we are also called to have before Jesus?
True, we have never physically seen Jesus but we have had contact with Him through His Holy Spirit. The Spirit testifies to us that what the Bible says of Jesus is indeed true and trustworthy.
We believe in someone that we have never seen with our eyes. This is why we are called people of faith. It takes faith to believe in Jesus. This response of Thomas is what you and I are to look for in people with whom we share our faith.
Our hope is that all people will know Jesus as Lord, and that He is the One true God.
Never let it be lost on us that verses such as these mention present day Believers. Great comfort can be gained by realizing that Jesus had people like ourselves in mind when He spoke of those who believe in Him without first seeing Him.
Believer, when you’re having a bad day, just recall that you made it into the pages of the Bible. You have the same call as the disciples.
Anthony is missions pastor at Harrisburg Church, Tupelo. He may be contacted at claynell@aol.com.
