*John 20:24-21:14
Jesus appears to his disciples, including the skeptical Thomas, who ultimately declares him Lord and God.
- Doubting Thomas:
- Thomas, one of the Twelve, is not present when Jesus first appears to the other disciples.
- When they tell him that they have seen the Lord, Thomas expresses skepticism, stating he will not believe unless he sees the nail marks in Jesus’ hands and places his finger where the nails were.
- Eight days later, Jesus appears again with the disciples present, including Thomas. Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds.
- Thomas responds with a declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God!”
- Jesus comments on the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.
- The Third Appearance to the Disciples:
- Jesus appears to seven of His disciples who are fishing in the Sea of Tiberias but catching nothing.
- At Jesus’ instruction to cast the net on the right side of the boat, they catch a large number of fish, 153 in total, and yet the net does not break.
- Recognizing Jesus, Peter swims to shore while the others follow in the boat, towing the net full of fish.
- They find Jesus with a fire of burning coals with fish on it and some bread. Jesus invites them to bring some of the fish they have caught.
- He then serves them bread and fish, marking this as His third appearance to the disciples after His resurrection.
John 20:24–21:14 teaches us that Jesus meets us where we are, even in our doubts and struggles. Thomas didn’t believe Jesus had risen until he saw Him, but Jesus didn’t reject him—He gave Thomas the proof he needed. Later, Jesus appeared to His disciples while they were fishing, showing that He cares about their daily lives. We can apply this by bringing our doubts and worries to Jesus, knowing He understands and wants to help us grow in faith. Instead of feeling ashamed of our questions, we should seek Him through prayer and His Word, trusting that He will guide us.
John 20:24-21:14 (WEB)
20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!”But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”26 After eight days, again his disciples were inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the middle, and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.21:1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.”They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?”They answered him, “No.”6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!”So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of one hundred fifty-three great fish. Even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn.12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast!”None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord.13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples after he had risen from the dead.