“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”– John 20:28 (KJV)
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.– John 20:28 (NLT)
“Thomas said, ‘My Lord and my God!'”– John 20:28 (MSG)
What Does John 20:28 Mean?
In this powerful moment, we see Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, recognizing the true nature of Jesus. After witnessing the crucifixion and being skeptical about the resurrection, Thomas is confronted with the risen Jesus. His declaration, “My Lord and my God,” highlights both his personal relationship with Jesus and acknowledges the divine nature of Christ. This verse shows us that believing in Jesus as both Lord and God is central to our faith. It invites us to reflect on our own beliefs, challenges our doubts, and emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus.
By proclaiming Jesus as Lord, Thomas acknowledges Jesus’ authority over all things. This echoes the teachings found in Philippians 2:10-11, which tells us that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Furthermore, calling Jesus God underscores the belief in His divinity, affirming that He is not just a good teacher or prophet but the true God Himself. This statement is a turning point not just for Thomas, but for all believers, demonstrating the depth and complexity of faith and the importance of recognizing Jesus’ dual nature as both God and man.
John 20:28 Explanation and Commentary
The significance of Thomas’s declaration goes beyond just a simple acknowledgment; it represents a deep spiritual awakening. We often see ourselves in Thomas’s story, as he embodied doubt before faith. In our lives, we can experience similar doubts and questions about our faith, feeling unsure or lost in our beliefs. Yet, just like Thomas, we too can encounter the living Christ, allowing our eyes to be opened to His power and love.
Thomas’s journey reflects our own. He was present throughout Jesus’ ministry, witnessed miracles, and heard His teachings, yet still struggled with disbelief until he saw the risen Christ for himself. It’s in this moment of profound recognition that he fully grasps who Jesus is. This serves as a reminder for us that our faith can evolve through personal encounters and growth. Jesus’ response to Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” (John 20:29) encourages us that faith doesn’t always rely on physical proof.
This verse can inspire us to reflect on the moments when we’ve doubted or questioned our faith. Perhaps there have been times when we sought signs or felt distant from God. Thomas’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to question and seek understanding. As we journey in our faith, we can trust that God meets us in our uncertainties. Just as Thomas was greeted with compassion and grace, we too can approach Jesus openly and authentically with our doubts, knowing that He is always ready to reveal Himself.
Context of John 20:28
The important events surrounding John 20:28 remind us of the resurrection of Christ, which forms the foundation of our faith. The chapter narrates the appearance of Jesus to His disciples after His resurrection. Earlier in this chapter, Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb. In her excitement, she ran to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. They struggled to believe her words, showcasing the human tendency to doubt when faced with the miraculous.
The context of this encounter is crucial. Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus first appeared to them, and he missed a significant opportunity to witness the risen Christ. His absence and the resulting doubt provide a backdrop for the powerful moment when Thomas finally meets Jesus. In this way, it encapsulates a central theme of the resurrection: that each individual encounters Christ in their own time.
John’s Gospel often illustrates the dynamics of belief. Chapters earlier, Jesus spoke in parables, and many were left confused, symbolizing the struggle of the heart to trust in what cannot always be seen or understood. The context reinforces how the resurrection reveals Jesus’ true identity, as He steps beyond the barriers of doubt and disbelief, calling us to believe in Him wholeheartedly.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:28
There are several key components in Thomas’s declaration worth exploring. The personal pronoun “My” indicates that Thomas is not just acknowledging Jesus as Lord and God, but claiming a personal relationship with Him. This affirms the call for all believers to have a personal connection with Christ. Through this camaraderie, we find our identity as His followers, and we can secure confidence in our faith.
The titles “Lord” and “God” reveal significant truths about Jesus. As “Lord,” He holds lordship over our lives, asking for our obedience and commitment. His leadership grants us comfort and guidance. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, we are willingly placing Him at the center of our lives, allowing Him to navigate our paths and decisions.
Identifying Jesus as “God” directly points to His divine nature, emphasizing that He is part of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This foundational belief ignites our faith and informs how we understand Jesus’ role in salvation. His divinity guarantees that Jesus possesses the power to forgive sins, heal the sick, and conquer death itself. Each aspect of Thomas’s proclamation deepens our faith and invites us to reflect on who Jesus is in our lives.
Lessons to Learn From John 20:28
Thomas’s proclamation teaches us several valuable lessons. First, our doubts do not disqualify us from faith. Just as Thomas expressed his hesitations, many of us grapple with uncertainties about believing in God. Jesus’ gentle response demonstrates that He welcomes our questions and doubts. He desires an authentic relationship rather than one built on mere blind faith. We can approach Him with our reservations, and through that engagement, our faith can grow.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of personal encounters with Jesus. Thomas’s experience shows that encountering Christ in a real and transformational way is life-altering. It calls us to seek our experiences with Christ actively. Through prayer, scripture, and community, we create opportunities for these moments to unfold in our lives. Engaging in honest conversations about faith with one another can foster environments where personal revelations occur.
Another lesson is centered on the idea of community. Thomas wasn’t alone when he wandered in doubt. The other disciples experienced similar doubts but ultimately came to believe. This communal aspect of faith reminds us of the importance of fellowship, encouraging one another in our faith journeys. We are not meant to walk alone but instead share our experiences, questions, and victories. Our united faith can uplift and strengthen all of us in different seasons.
Final Thoughts
In reflection of John 20:28, we find that faith is not a straight path. Rather, it is filled with ups and downs, doubts, and confirmations. Jesus’ affectionate and patient response to Thomas encourages each of us that faith can grow from doubt. Our feelings of uncertainty do not have to hinder our relationship with Christ; instead, they can be the very catalysts that encourage us to seek Him more deeply.
As we journey through our own lives, let us embrace the openness to questions and seek continual personal revelations of Jesus in our hearts. In doing so, we affirm our belief in Him as our Lord and God, solidifying our faith and encouraging those around us. We are invited into an incredible relationship with Jesus, filling our lives with hope, love, and purpose as we walk daily in His grace. To further explore the significance of faith, check out stories about Jesus’ encounters in other parts of the Bible, like John 7:9 and Numbers 13:23.