Proper 5 (GA)

John 20:19-31

¹⁹ On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

²⁴ Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.”

²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

What is Jesus really capable of? Many times I have been reminded that a god so small I con comprehend him is no god at all. This goes hand in hand with: you can't put God in a box. How fascinating is it what God is actually capable of?

Jesus Christ has been and is now raised from the dead. He was crucified and yet comes back to life. He enters twice into a room with the doors locked (an upper room). The first time he does it to provide them with the Holy Spirit, and the power to forgive sins. The second time Jesus enters behind locked doors, so that he can offer proofs to Thomas.

There are many people who desire evidence and proof. But Jesus gives us his word. He provides us with many witnesses to these miraculous events. They are not explainable apart from God, even though many people develop false explanations. 

But here comes the good news. Even though there are lies out there, Jesus Christ provides us the way and truth. He provides us with forgiveness. He provides us with peace. Both times Jesus comes and with him the disciples receive peace in Christ death and resurrection. This is a miraculous thing that is give to you also, Peace is with you!