“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”– John 20:27 (KJV)
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’– John 20:27 (NLT)
“He said to Thomas, ‘Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unconvinced any longer. Believe.'”– John 20:27 (MSG)
What Does John 20:27 Mean?
In this moment, we find ourselves in an intimate exchange between Jesus and Thomas, one of His disciples. Thomas, often remembered for his doubts, represents many of us who seek tangible proof of what we believe. In the context of the resurrection, Jesus had already appeared to His disciples, but Thomas wasn’t there. His absence almost metaphorically reflects our own struggles with faith. Here, we see Jesus pulling Thomas from the grips of doubt by inviting him to feel the wounds from His crucifixion. This is not merely an act of demonstrating power; it is a profound moment of love and understanding.
This statement moves beyond simple companionship into the depths of confession and belief. Jesus doesn’t scold Thomas for his doubts; rather, He compassionately meets him where he is. The encouragement to “be not faithless, but believing” speaks to our human condition. We sometimes find ourselves in doubt, questioning the unseen, longing for the physical evidence of our faith. Jesus gently asks us to believe without needing to see proof, reminding us that faith transcends physical evidence.
John 20:27 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on this powerful verse, it reveals a significant truth about the nature of faith. Jesus does not rebuke Thomas for his skepticism but instead approaches him with the grace that we, too, can receive in our moments of doubt. When Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, He is not just showing the results of His suffering; He is illustrating the depth of His love for us. By inviting evidence of the resurrection, He acknowledges that faith can often be a struggle. This gives us the assurance that we can approach our Lord with our uncertainties without the fear of reprimand.
In our lives, we may often wrestle with doubts. Many of us are like Thomas, seeking reassurance that God exists and cares for us deeply. The experience of doubt doesn’t define our faith but rather is a stepping stone to a deeper relationship with Christ. When we come to Him with our doubts, instead of hiding them, we begin to foster a more profound faith. As members of a community of believers, we can encourage each other to be open about our struggles, realizing that others may share our fears.
Moreover, this moment serves as a testimony to the resurrection itself. By physically revealing His wounds, Jesus emphasizes the reality of His sacrifice and the promise of new life. We are called to embrace this truth wholeheartedly. Just like Thomas’s encounter transformed his doubts into a declaration of faith – “My Lord and my God!” – we too are encouraged to proclaim Jesus as our savior, embracing His resurrected life in our hearts.
What is truly beautiful about this passage is the relationship it fosters between Jesus and His followers. He offers us personal encounters, assuring us that He understands our struggles. In our quiet moments of reflection, we can bring our worries and hesitations to Him. Just as Thomas was transformed from doubt to belief, we have a call to embrace a faith that is rooted in trust rather than proof, challenging us to press deeper into our relationship with God.
Context of John 20:27
To grasp the full meaning of John 20:27, it is crucial to explore its context within the Gospel. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to Mary Magdalene, instructing her to inform the disciples that He has risen. When He reveals Himself, Thomas is absent, and upon hearing the incredible news from the other disciples, he famously declares that he won’t believe until he sees the evidence— much like what we often find ourselves doing.
This context of doubt sets the stage for understanding the grace extended to him in this moment. It illustrates that the disciples, despite being close to Jesus, were still struggling with disbelief. They were navigating through their emotions, attempting to reconcile the death of their teacher with the miraculous news of His resurrection. This speaks volumes about the complexity of faith and how it is inherently linked to our human experience.
After eight days, Jesus appeared again, this time with Thomas present. His solemn invitation to Thomas serves a dual purpose. It reassures Thomas personally while demonstrating to all of us that faith is a journey. It is not uncommon for people to have doubts and misgivings about their beliefs. Jesus’ readiness to accommodate Thomas shows His desire for each of His followers to come into a personal relationship with Him, encouraging a seamless integration of faith and understanding.
By addressing Thomas directly, Christ not only validates his doubt but also invites him into a deeper strength and understanding of faith. It encourages us to remember that even in our moments of uncertainty, we have a Savior who is present to meet us and ask us to believe. Every time we encounter doubt, we can reflect on this story of Thomas, taking comfort in knowing that it is our relationship with Christ that carries us through – even when we struggle with belief.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:27
Examining the phrases in John 20:27 opens a multitude of revelations regarding our faith journey. The term “Reach hither thy finger” signifies a physical and personal connection Jesus offers—one that is accessible. It reminds us that faith is not theoretical; it is something that we can touch and feel, much like Thomas was invited to do. Here, we see an extension of grace that beckons us to come closer to Christ, just as we are – doubts and all.
Then Jesus invites Thomas to “behold my hands.” This part indicates a moment of not just seeing but truly perceiving the suffering Jesus endured during His crucifixion. It emphasizes the sacrificial nature of love and gives insight into the extent of His compassion for us. By allowing Thomas to examine His wounds, Jesus is showing the price that was paid for our sins. Love is practical; it often manifests in relationship and vulnerability, as seen here.
Next, He encourages Thomas to “thrust it into my side.” The invitation to touch the wound on His side deepens the intimacy of this moment. It portrays vulnerability, urging Thomas to explore the very source of salvation. It encourages us to engage actively with our faith, seeking to understand the heart of God through Christ’s sacrifice.
The final command, “be not faithless, but believing,” serves as a direct exhortation to each one of us. At times, our faith may waver or become shaky, similar to Thomas’. However, Jesus challenges us to embrace belief wholeheartedly. This highlights that faith is a decision—a conscious act we must choose daily. When we face challenges in our beliefs, we can take a step back to reflect on Jesus’ gentle rebuke, reminding ourselves that faith doesn’t have to mean always having everything figured out.
Lessons to Learn From John 20:27
In contemplating the powerful moment captured in John 20:27, there are numerous lessons we can apply to our spiritual lives. One of the central themes is that it is okay to have questions and doubts. Like Thomas, we may find ourselves wrestling with uncertainties, and that is a natural part of growth in our faith journeys. It showcases that faith isn’t merely blind acceptance but often involves wrestling with challenging ideas and seeking assurance.
Another significant lesson is that Jesus actively welcomes us in our doubts. Rather than reprimanding Thomas for needing proof, Jesus guides him compassionately to a place of belief. This models how we should also approach others—encouraging love and understanding in their times of uncertainty. In our community, we can create spaces where it is safe to express doubts or questions, knowing that together, we can encourage growth in faith.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the tenderness of Jesus’ love. He doesn’t demand faith but offers an invitation into a relationship built on trust and understanding. We see that He desires a deep connection with us, wanting us to seek Him actively. This personal relationship is transformative as it reassures us that each of our unique paths are recognized and valued by God.
Ultimately, we learn that our faith can be profoundly strengthened through struggle. Thomas’s encounter with Jesus turned him into a bold proclaimer of faith. When we confront our doubts and allow Christ to meet us there, we can find a deeper belief that invokes not just intellectual acknowledgment but heartfelt devotion. Our struggles can become testimonies of faith that encourage others amid despair.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 20:27, we see a picture of Jesus welcoming us into a place of vulnerability, recognition, and faith. In our lives, moments of doubt may arise, and it’s vital that we engage with them openly. Rather than shying away, we can approach Christ like Thomas, bringing our uncertainties into the light and allowing His loving embrace to restore us.
Each of us has doubts, but it’s in those moments that we are invited by Jesus to deepen our faith. We can face our doubts head-on, recalling Jesus’ words, “Don’t be faithless, but believe!” This encouragement allows us to cultivate a faith that persists beyond our questions.
We hope you are inspired to explore your faith further, filled with the reassurance that you are not alone in your journey. Seek a deeper understanding of your relationship with Christ, and consider diving into other Bible verses that discuss themes of faith, such as John 7:13 and Numbers 13:23. Seeking understanding in fellowship with others can enhance your faith and bring new insights to your beautiful journey.