19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Comment: The disciples were terrified that the Jewish leaders would somehow kill them. They locked themselves behind closed doors. ‘Peace’ Jesus said. Did He look the. same? At any rate He proved that the Person standing in their midst was indeed Himself by showing the terrible wounds by which He had been crucified and proven dead. Without much explanation Jesus breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit and get on with the job of preaching forgiveness, repentance and faith. How this last sentence is worked out is the business of the book of Acts.
Thomas wasn’t there and wouldn’t believe his fellow disciples. Graciously Jesus makes a special visit for Thomas, who falls on his knees with joyous and life changing perception of what the resurrection means! People these days don’t see Jesus – they are blessed if they believe!
Prayer: I fall in worship at Your feet, Lord Jesus.
As I read it! 