Jesus gives us that gift of peace to share in the world

So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:25-28

Thomas might not have been at the foot of the cross when his friend, teacher and Lord died, but he had reliable information about his demise. He had definitive information that Jesus’ lifeless body had been placed in a tomb.

Therefore, when the other disciples approached Thomas with the supposedly good news that Jesus was alive, he lashed out in bitterness and doubt. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

How was he to believe the impossible? It was impossible because the religious leaders and the Romans had destroyed Jesus. They took his life and short circuited his ministry.

Thomas needed to see Jesus in order to believe that Jesus was really around. Then the Lord also appeared to him and gave him the evidence he needed.

More than anyone else, Jesus knew what Thomas was going through. Consequently, he approached Thomas with words of peace not chastisement. He came as a loving savior.

He knows what each of us go through daily. He knows our private fears, our pains, and the burdens we carry.

He wants us to see the evidence of his resurrection. He wants us to be comforted and at the same time he wants us to comfort others.

It was a good day for Thomas who could see the living Jesus standing before him. Jesus then gave him proof by inviting him to touch him. At this point, Thomas believed. He believed because he had the tangible evidence before him. Jesus was standing before him, alive.

During our life, sometimes we also feel like Thomas. This is especially so when life’s journey becomes as complicated as a maze, and we are unable to negotiate our way.

It would be better for us, too, if at these times, we could see Jesus clearly, just once. Then, we, too, could say, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus is in lots of places, particularly in our worship, God’s word, and in the sacraments, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We also meet Jesus when we comfort a family member, or are at the deathbed of a spouse, close family member or a friend.

Jesus is present when we welcome a stranger. When we launch out into the community. When we share love with the loveless.

Yes, Jesus is there when we show compassion to the people around us. When we reach out and try to relieve the suffering and pain of widows, orphans, the poor, and those who are desperate, Jesus is present. Jesus is there when we retell this gospel story.

We in the church are like lighthouses guiding the lost and confused souls of the world to Christ. Jesus gives us that gift of peace to share in the world. That is what we are called to do.

We have been given the gift and the power of forgiveness to speak peace to all who face the burden of reality and the harshness of sin. Like Thomas, we can continue to share that peace. Amen.

 • Rev. Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Nassau, 119 John F. Kennedy Drive, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas; or telephone: 426-9084; E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com; website: www.nassaulutheranchurch.org.  

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