How Shall We Live
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B
”When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”“
??John? ?20?:?19?-?25? ?NRSVUE??????????????
https://bible.com/bible/3523/jhn.20.19-25.NRSVUE
”Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?” But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”“
??John? ?20?:?19?-?25? ?MSG??????????????
https://bible.com/bible/97/jhn.20.19-25.MSG
Receive the Holy Spirit.
In John 20:23, Jesus imparts a profound truth about the power of the Holy Spirit in forgiveness. Yet, it is in Thomas’s doubt and eventual faith that we find a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit’s transformative work.
Doubting Thomas, a disciple whose skepticism has left an indelible mark on the annals of faith. In John 20:19-31, we encounter a man whose insistence on tangible proof serves as a beacon of realism amidst the fervent belief of his peers.
Thomas, often labeled as the doubter, emerges not as an example of disbelief but rather as a realist disciple.
He exemplifies the human condition, fraught with doubts and uncertainties, yet unyielding in the pursuit of truth.
The theological interpretations of Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ have traditionally emphasized the reality of the resurrection.
Indeed, his demand to see and touch the wounds of Jesus underscores the physical nature of the resurrection,
However, beyond the surface, Thomas’s skepticism unveils a deeper allegory—the sacrament of the holy communion.
Just as Thomas sought tangible evidence of Christ’s resurrection, so too do we partake in the communion, where the bread and wine become tangible symbols of Christ’s body and blood, reaffirming our faith in the resurrection and the divine presence among us.
Yet Thomas doubts and our need for communion should teach us something. Because in all actuality communion is a support for our faith, yet if we truly had a genuine strong relationship with Jesus and The Holy Spirit we wouldn’t even need to touch the hands and feet of Jesus to believe.
Point 1: Faith is a Gift
Thomas’s doubt represents our own struggles with faith. Despite witnessing miracles, he hesitated to believe without tangible proof. Likewise, we often demand evidence before trusting in God’s promises. However, the Holy Spirit empowers us to have faith, even in the midst of uncertainty. Through prayer, study, and fellowship, we can cultivate a faith that transcends doubt and embraces the unseen. The Holy Spirit, as the divine person, works tirelessly to sanctify and transform us into the likeness of Christ. Through His guidance, we are empowered to preach the gospel, convict the lost of sin, and embody the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.
The Holy Spirit illuminates the truth of Scripture, guides us in ministry, and imparts spiritual gifts for service. The Holy Spirit gives us direct and indirect access to Gods saving love and grace. I want to remind you again there is no power in communion the power is in God,
Point 2: The Ministry of Forgiveness
Jesus’s declaration in John 20:23 underscores the Holy Spirit’s role in forgiveness. Just as the disciples were commissioned to forgive sins, we are called to extend grace and reconciliation to others.
However, like Thomas, we may struggle with forgiveness, clinging to past hurts and grievances.
We struggle for real with forgiveness and letting go of the sins of others. How man6 times do we hear folks talking about us, lying-on us and know that God calls us to be about forgiveness.
Yet, through the Holy Spirit, we can experience the freedom of forgiveness, releasing the burden of resentment and embracing the transformative power of love.
In essence, the life of discipleship is inseparable from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
It is through the Holy Spirit's indwelling that we are equipped to walk as Jesus walked, to do the work He has called us to, and to experience transformation into His likeness.
Point 3: The Journey of Transformation
Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ marks a pivotal moment of transformation.
His doubt is replaced with unwavering faith as he declares, “My Lord and my God!” Similarly, the Holy Spirit works within us, transforming doubt into belief, fear into courage, and sin into righteousness.
As we surrender to the Spirit’s leading, we are continually renewed in mind, body, and spirit, becoming vessels of God’s grace and truth in the world.
Therefore, let us heed the example of Doubting Thomas, the realist disciple, and embrace the power of the Holy Spirit in our journey of faith. May we, like Thomas, seek truth with unwavering conviction, and may the Holy Spirit guide us as we walk the path of discipleship, spreading the light of Christ to a world shrouded in darkness.
Someone might ask why I like Thomas so much because he kept it real. He was willing to say I’m not ready yet, he was willing to say unless I see it I won't be able to do this discipleship thing.
I think we need more folk in the church that are willing to say I don’t get it yet. I’m not there yet.
Contemporary Illustration:
Consider the story of Sarah, who struggled with bitterness towards her estranged father for years. Despite countless attempts at reconciliation, she remained entrenched in resentment. However, through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Sarah found the strength to forgive her father, allowing healing and restoration to take place in their relationship. Sarah’s journey illustrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming past hurts and embracing forgiveness.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on Thomas’s journey from doubt to faith, may we be reminded of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Let us receive the gift of faith, extend the ministry of forgiveness, and embrace the journey of transformation. May the Holy Spirit empower us to live as instruments of God’s love and grace, proclaiming the good news of salvation to all. Amen.
