Reflecting on John 20:24-29“‘Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”(John 20:29)
At one time I saw this verse as proof that Jesus was God.
It is hard to know what exactly Thomas meant when he said this.
But I can’t imagine Thomas was making a theological statement about God.
Maybe eventually he did conclude that Jesus was ‘God with us’.
But at this moment, his rational mind was expressing shock and wonder.
I’ve learned to hold by my theological mind when I read the Jesus stories.
Theological reflections afterwards are an expression of wonder too.
But we risk misreading the text when we come with preconceived ideas.
We turn words and sentences into proof texts, which they are not.
They are events and experiences, encounters with God.
I have personally concluded that Jesus is somehow God in the flesh.
I do experience God in a trinitarian (three-dimensional) way.
But here Thomas is experiencing the shock and wonder of the risen Jesus.
Even though you are not seeing this with him, experience it with him.
Jesus says there’s a special blessing for those who do, through eyes of faith.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I don't want to miss encountering You because I've pre-packaged these stories into theological categories. Help me to experience the same shock and wonder as Thomas, and to be blessed in meeting You - my Lord and my God - this way!