John 20:24-29 English Standard Version

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.”

Is there a lesson to be gained here?

What was the cause of Thomas’s unbelief?

Perhaps it was his relationship with the other disciples because he did not accept their testimony. He had walked with Jesus and was one of the twelve given power to heal the sick and cast out demons, so I am not sure his unbelief had anything to do with his faith in Jesus.

We are witnesses of the goodness, blessings, and power of the Holy Spirit and the gospel of Christ. We should remember that trust has to be established before anything we say to the lost carries any weight.

I am reminded at this moment about Jesus walking on the water and calling Peter to come out to him. Peter began to walk on the water by faith but fear caused him to doubt and he began to sink.

We cannot be afraid to test the waters. We need to establish firm footing with people to gain their trust. That can only be done with those who welcome us into their lives.

Matthew 10:14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Context is required.

John 8:2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.

Nothing is said about what they were taught.

John 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst

We often overlook important information in context. They brought this woman before everyone that was gathered in hopes that Jesus would go against the law and the people could judge for themselves if Jesus stood for justice.

 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

What truth did Jesus write that caused the accusers to leave?

Here is context. 

What truth can Jesus reveal about us that will cause us to stop judging others?