A GLORIOUS CONFESSION

JOHN 20:26–29

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

(John 20:28)

It is a testimony to the mystery, power, and glory of our God that in a passage where man’s doubt is so emphasized, the divinity of Jesus comes to its clearest expression. Eight days earlier, Thomas had said that he would not believe that Jesus lived unless he touched His wounds. Instead of leaving Thomas to wallow in his doubt, Christ is gracious to him and reveals Himself to the disciples once again. As soon as He enters the room, Jesus turns to Thomas and in direct answer to his foolish challenge, Jesus commands him to touch the wounds that He had suffered in Thomas’ place and for his salvation.

Thomas responded as a true disciple of Christ. He was immediately humbled: “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God!’ ” This is the clearest profession of Christ’s deity in the New Testament. Two exalted words, “Lord” and “God,” are used together and are addressed to Jesus alone. Notice that Jesus accepts this worship without hesitation. Contrast this to the book of Revelation where John falls before the angel in worship. In that account, the angel immediately rebukes John and tells him to worship only the Lord.

Thomas had come full circle. From a trembling heart of doubt came a confession of the glory and deity of Jesus Christ. Even Peter had not made such a clear profession of Christ’s true nature. Such a confession should not be attributed to Thomas’ insight and goodness, but to the grace of God who opened his eyes to see the truth. How great and good our God is! Even out of doubt, He can bring the most glorious results!

Still, Thomas was not left totally off the hook. Jesus, while praising him for his glorious confession, said, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Many will come to believe through the witness of the disciples. Many for ages to come will know and believe the truth about Jesus Christ simply on the testimony of the written Word of God. Blessed are those who believe, not because their eyes have seen the risen Lord, but because their hearts and minds have been opened to believe the truth.

CORAM DEO

Ezekiel 38–39

1 Peter 4

Can you think of a time in your life when something wonderful came out of a difficult situation? Has God ever given you a glorious insight about Himself after a period of doubt or doctrinal wrestling? If you can think of a time such as this, praise God for it and ask Him to give you hope during difficult times.

For further study: Rom. 10:1–13 • 1 Peter 1:8–9 • Rev. 19:10; 22:9

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