The Second Visit

One week after the resurrected  Jesus showed up in the room where the disciples had gathered behind locked doors, it happened again.  This time it was different.  While the door was shut, it was not locked, (John 20:26)  Meeting exactly one week later suggests they were hoping Jesus would come again.  The fact that they had persuaded Thomas, who was absent the first time, to be present this second time tells us they were expecting Jesus to be present again.  This time the room was not filled with a surprised gasp, but an expectant spirit.

 

It is also clear that Jesus appeared this second time with Thomas on His mind and heart.  As soon as He offered peace to the gathered group, He turned to Thomas and said, "Put your finger here and see my hands...do not doubt but believe."  (John 20:27)  It was a moment when all the uncertainty within Thomas was eradicated.  Thomas responded to Jesus by declaring, "My Lord and my God!"  (John 20:28)  No doubt the one who is known as the Doubter never wavered again in his conviction that Christ had risen from the dead. 

 

One of the things learned from this resurrection account is that Jesus appears in our life not according to our inner attitude, but according to His mercy and grace.  On that second Sunday Jesus came into the room where the disciples had gathered to address the disappointment and disillusionment of one single man.  Jesus was not going to be content with all but one.  The one was important.  Thomas was important to Him.  You and I are important to Jesus.  Each one of us is important to Him and if we listen we will hear Him calling our name even midst our confusion, our fear, and our doubt.