By the time one reaches chapter 20 in the Gospel of John, the apostle who also wrote the Book of Revelation, many signs and much testimony have been given about the ministry of Joshua (Yeshua), who the bible calls Jesus.
One of the disciples who has heard it all is famously known as "Doubting Thomas." Thomas remains unconvinced in the ressurection. Thomas embodies the stubborn unbelief that Yeshua rose from the dead. Thomas wants his own irrefutable physical evidence. He sets his own conditions and refuses the apostolic witness.
In many ways the disciple Thomas (Didymus) mirrors the characteristics and spiritual journey of the people of Israel as portrayed in the biblical narrative, particularly in his journey from doubt to faith, his need for tangible proof, and his ultimate commitment. Thomas represents humanity's tendency toward skepticism, yet also demonstrates a capacity for sincere devotion.
Thomas hears the others say, “We have seen the Lord,” and answers:
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛 20:25
The amazing twist in the story is that Yeshua graciously grants Thomas’s requirements. In John 20:26-27 it says:
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the
doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to
Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” John 20:26-27
Jesus confronts Thomas’s unbelief by meeting his conditions, and draws out one of the strongest confessions in the Gospel. Thomas’s resistance collapses in a single sentence:
“My Lord and my God!” 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛 20:28.
Thomas' words echo back to ten chapters earlier in John 10:30:
"I and My Father are one.”
That verse echos back further still into the Tenach, Deuteronomy 6:4 the Shema:
"Hear, O Israel
The LORD our God,
the LORD is one".
At the center of Jewish worship, the Shema declares the unity and uniqueness of God.
When Thomas says, "My Lord, My God!", the scripture does two things at once.
First, it reinforces the "oneness" of Adonai. Second, it shifts the relationship with "Hashem" (the Name) from a communal relationship to a personal one.
Then Jesus turns the conversation outward with the following profound statement of faith:
“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛 20:29
The evidence for the resurrection is compelling. Most Jews never stop to consider it at all. Minds are made up. Sentiment toward Jesus, particularly the claim that he is Messiah, let alone the "Son of God" is a lot to unpack, and I am not trying to do that in this blog post!
By the same token, since today marks probably the single most significant event in world history, the "Resurrection," you might care to learn more about it, even if you will never believe it.
Nathan Robinson was raised in an Orthodox Jewish home and recieved an excellent Yeshiva education in NYC schools. As an adult he came to find the love he longed for in Yeshua. Today, Pastor Nathan Robinson gave an educational "Resurrection Day" sermon.
This is his Ressurection Day sermon.
At the start of Nathan's sermon is a little story about this picture. It captures the essence of Christianity.
Epilogue:
According to tradition, the Apostle Thomas was martyred in Mylapore, India, in 72 A.D.. He was killed by being stabbed with spears (or a lance), likely prompted by local leaders opposing his ministry. His death is believed to have occurred on a hill known as Little Mount (or Big Mount).
Traditional Martyrdom Accounts:
- Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome during Nero's persecution; he reportedly requested this because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
- Andrew: Crucified in Patras, Greece, on an X-shaped cross (now known as St. Andrew's Cross).
- Philip: Traditionally martyred in Hierapolis (Turkey), either by crucifixion (sometimes upside down) or by being hung from iron hooks.
- Bartholomew (Nathanael): Reportedly flayed alive and then beheaded in Armenia.
- Matthew: Tradition varies, but many accounts suggest he was martyred in Ethiopia, either stabbed with a sword or killed with a halberd.
- James the Less (son of Alphaeus): Thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem and then beaten to death with a fuller's club.
- Jude Thaddeus: Traditionally martyred in Persia, often recorded as being killed with arrows or an axe.
- Simon the Zealot: Reportedly martyred in Persia alongside Jude, possibly by being sawn in half.
- Matthias (Judas’ replacement): Traditionally stoned and then beheaded in Jerusalem.Paul (The 13th Apostle): Beheaded in Rome under Nero.
