This Sunday - April 12th 2nd Sunday of Easter
- Christ United
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Acts 2:14a, 22-32 ~ Psalm 16 ~ 1 Peter 1:3-9 ~ John 20:19-31
Thomas is not the only one missing from the assembly the Sunday after Easter Sunday. We are not told why Thomas is missing, but we do know why plenty of other folks are absent from the assembly: vacations, traveling, spring break for the kids.
Thomas is criticized for doubting, but he asks for nothing more than the same experience of the risen Christ the rest of the disciples had. By the grace of God, Jesus returns a second time and offers his body as living proof to Thomas. In the presence of Jesus, Thomas discovers he did not need the proof he demanded. Thomas’ story is our story. We are not always where we need to be. Sometimes we even find ourselves in places we should not be at all. But Jesus comes to us, seeking us out and giving us the gift of faith. Thomas is not criticized, he is not condemned. Instead Jesus loves Thomas back into a relationship and shows the disciples what the words “Peace be with you” mean when lived out. - From Sundays & Seasons
After reading the scriptures for this day, discuss the following questions with someone else:
Share a story about a time when you missed out on something because you weren’t there. How did that make you feel?
Why do you think Jesus is so quick to welcome Thomas and not scold him for being absent?
Why do you think that we are so quick to label Thomas as “doubting Thomas” when Jesus doesn’t label him?
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