20 - 2nd Sunday of Easter
All of the disciples except Thomas are in the Upper Room. They have just endured the violence and shock of the crucifixion of Jesus and have locked the door in fear of the Jews. All of a sudden, through the locked door, comes Jesus in His glorified body! He shows them the wounds in His hand and His side; and, they rejoice, now that they know it is, indeed, Jesus! He breathes on them the power of the Holy Spirit. Later, Thomas is with them in the Upper Room and Jesus again appears supernaturally. Thomas wants to see the "evidence," and says "Except I see (for myself) the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." Jesus gives him that opportunity, and Thomas gives one of the greatest statements of belief that is written: "My Lord and My God!" Jesus says, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have NOT seen and have believed!"
- Item #: John 20:19-31