Scripture Reading: John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
Reflection
Have you ever heard something that was too hard to believe?
Think about:
Even after doubting, Thomas saw Jesus and recognised him, saying 'My Lord and my God' (John 20:28)
How would you recognise Jesus if you met him? What things would he being doing/ saying? How have you recognised Jesus at work in your life before? E.g. answered prayers, other people's kindness
If we, as Christians, are trying to live as Jesus would, how will other people recognise Jesus in us and what we do?
Prayer
Dear Lord
I thank you for revealing yourself to me each and everyday.
Help me to believe in you even when I have doubt.
I ask that today you strengthen my faith in you os that I may grow closer to you.
Help me to imitate your love to my family and friends.
I ask this in your most holy name
Amen
Activity
