John 20:24-31 English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus and Thomas

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.”

The Purpose of This Book

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Is the only way to see Jesus through human eyes and human touch? Thomas was resolute in his requirements to believe. “I have to see it to believe it.” Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas so that Thomas would believe. Thomas belonged to Jesus and Jesus was going to make sure that Thomas believed.

What is it going to take for you to believe? John’s gospel was written so that we all might believe. There are many details and prayers in John’s gospel that are not contained within the synoptic gospels. There are things in those three gospels which John did not document. Even the order of events vary but that should not take away the importance of any of the gospels in allowing you to see the life and times of Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

²¹ But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. ²⁶ It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The Greek word here for manifest is paneroo meaning to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood. This in reference to the person of Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry. He was not recognized by everyone as the Son of God. That being said, then how is it the definition contains the description “thoroughly understood”? Because sight had to be mixed with faith in order to know the truth.

Another way of thinking about His manifestation is that God the Father sent the Son to show us how righteousness performs. Here in Romans 3 Jesus has already ascended to the throne of God yet in verse 26 Paul declares that His righteousness is shown at that present time.

John 16:7-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

Seeing His righteousness is now presented to us by the Holy Spirit.