#blessed

There is so much to take from this next resurrection encounter.

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."Those said to him, "My Lord and my God!"Then Thomas told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."John 20:26-29

This passage shows us the need the disciples had to gather with each other; it speaks about the primacy of Sunday (the first day of the week); it hints at the nature of Jesus resurrection body; it teaches us about believed; it gives us ground for faith. In all that, we must be sure that we see, the compassion of the risen Lord Jesus.

That's what strikes me - Jesus is so compassionate here. Thomas was the guy who missed out, and Jesus was sure to address him directly. To answer his questions and speak to his fears. To allow him to physically touch him. Jesus didn't berate, condemn or dismiss him. He loved him. He spoke to him. He helped him. He revealed himself to him.

And as Jesus does so, Thomas responds with faith. He worships Jesus. He declares his own personal trust in Jesus. He says you are MY Lord and MY God. In so doing, he commits to following the risen, compassionate, Lord Jesus Christ.

What about you?