“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”– John 20:28
John 20:28 Meaning
In this powerful verse, we witness Thomas’s declaration of faith after personally encountering the risen Jesus. The phrase “My Lord and my God!” reflects an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. Thomas, who was initially doubtful about Jesus’ resurrection, came to a profound realization of Jesus’s divine nature. This moment signifies a pivotal confession, acknowledging Jesus as both Lord and God, thus encapsulating the core of Christian belief — that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the Son of God who has triumphed over death.
Thomas’s declaration invites us to explore the implications of seeing Jesus for who He truly is. When we fully recognize Jesus as both Lord and God, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty, love, and grace. It challenges us to undergo a similar transformation in our own hearts, moving away from doubt to embracing faith in Jesus as the Messiah and divine Savior. This moment is not only about Thomas but serves as an invitation for all of us to proclaim our faith and recognize Jesus’s role in our lives.
John 20:28 Commentary and Explanation
To grasp the full weight of John 20:28, we need to consider the events leading up to this declaration. After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples were afraid and disheartened. Thomas was notably absent during Jesus’ first appearance to the other disciples (John 20:19-21). When they told him that they had seen the Lord, Thomas expressed doubt, insisting that he would only believe if he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds (John 20:25).
A week later, Jesus appeared again when Thomas was present. In this moment, Jesus addressed Thomas directly, inviting him to touch His wounds and see for himself that He had indeed risen from the dead (John 20:27). This was a profound moment for Thomas, and upon touching Jesus, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”
This declaration by Thomas reflects both his recognition of Jesus’ authority and His divine nature. Saying “my Lord” implies acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship over his life. To call Him “my God” is profound, as it reveals an understanding of Jesus as divine, equal to God the Father. It represents the culmination of Thomas’ journey from doubt to belief. Through this interaction, we see the merciful heart of Jesus — He met Thomas in his doubt and provided the evidence he sought.
In our lives, just like Thomas, we may go through periods of doubt where we question our faith. Thomas’s story reassures us that encountering Jesus — through prayer, scripture, and community — can lead us to a deeper faith. Jesus’ willingness to meet Thomas in his moment of uncertainty shows that He cares about our struggles and doubts, and He meets us where we are.
This interaction also teaches us about the nature of faith. Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This illustrates the idea that faith goes beyond physical evidence. While Thomas needed tangible proof, Jesus blesses those who believe without having seen. This calls us to live by faith, trusting in God’s promises even when we cannot see the whole picture.
Context of John 20:28
John 20:28 comes at the end of the Gospel of John. It follows the account of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. This Gospel emphasizes the divinity of Christ, portraying Him as the Word made flesh who came to save humanity. The resurrection is a key event in Christianity, affirming Jesus as the divine Son of God and offering hope for eternal life to those who believe in Him.
The context of the resurrection plays a significant role in understanding verse 28. After humble beginnings and a ministry filled with miracles, Jesus faced betrayal, suffering, and death. His followers were confused and scared, doubting whether all He spoke about was true. They witnessed His crucifixion, and when He was buried, hope seemed lost.
However, Jesus’ resurrection changed everything. In revealing Himself to Mary Magdalene first and then to the disciples, Jesus demonstrated His victory over death. This event confirmed His identity and mission and filled the disciples with renewed hope and purpose. Thomas’s declaration comes after direct interaction with the risen Christ, ensuring that Thomas’s faith is rooted in a personal experience with the living Savior.
This context invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith. Just as the disciples had to wrestle with their doubts and fears, we too face moments that can shake our faith. When we lean into our relationship with Christ, we find the strength to overcome these challenges and embrace the truth of who He is.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:28
The key parts of John 20:28 symbolize a significant theological discourse. Thomas’s utterance of “My Lord and my God” mirrors two essential aspects of Christian belief: the acknowledgment of Jesus as Savior and the recognition of His deity. The phrase captures both the personal and communal aspects of faith. It’s personal when he calls Jesus “my Lord,” indicating a transformative relationship, as we recognize that He is intimately involved in our lives.
On the communal level, referring to Jesus as “my God” emphasizes the unity of the Father and Son in Christian doctrine. Thomas’s pronouncement leads us to understand that Jesus is worthy of worship and reverence. This portrayal aligns with other scripture passages like Philippians 2:9-11, which emphasizes that every knee shall bow to Jesus, affirming His position and authority.
The moment also showcases Jesus’s love and patience. When Thomas expressed his doubts, Jesus did not scold him. Instead, He provided the evidence needed to solidify Thomas’s belief. This highlights a key teaching: Jesus meets us in our doubts and invites us to seek Him. Whether through prayer, personal exploration, or engaging with our faith community, we are encouraged to encounter Jesus in ways that affirm our trust in Him.
Lessons From John 20:28
There are many lessons to glean from this verse and the surrounding context in John. A key takeaway is the importance of faith, even amid uncertainty and doubt. Just as Thomas encountered Jesus and moved from doubt to affirmation, we too can have a similar journey. It teaches us that questioning our faith is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s an opportunity to seek deeper truths about God.
Furthermore, Jesus’ willingness to provide proof and His loving approach speak volumes about His character. He understands our struggles and is there to guide us through them. This verse encourages us to seek a relationship with Him, to not shy away from bringing our doubts, fears, and questions to Him. In engaging with our faith, we receive comfort and answers that draw us nearer to Him.
This passage also encourages us to extend grace to ourselves and others when faced with uncertainty. Similar to how Thomas went through a journey with Jesus, we may encounter others who wrestle with their faith. We can reflect Christ’s compassion by listening and encouraging them, just as He did when reaching out to Thomas.
Most importantly, John 20:28 instills in us the awe of recognizing Jesus as both Lord and God. This acknowledgment shapes our lives and guides our decisions. Acknowledging Jesus as our Lord calls for obedience to His teachings and a commitment to live out our faith intentionally. It shapes our identity as followers of Christ, leading us to reflect His love and light in the world around us.
Final Thoughts
John 20:28 serves as a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of faith. Thomas’s declaration is not just historical; it is also a profound confession that resonates with us today. When we declare that Jesus is our Lord and God, we are entering a journey of faith filled with hope and purpose. This verse invites us to examine our own faith journeys, encouraging us to acknowledge our doubts and seek after the truth in our relationship with Jesus.
As we reflect on this scripture, we are called to remember that faith is often a process, a very significant journey. We do not have to have all the answers immediately; rather, we meet Christ in our questions and uncertainties. Our struggles can lead to profound growth, moving us closer to an authentic relationship with our Savior.
Let us carry the essence of Thomas’ exclamation in our hearts as we navigate our journeys of faith. By recognizing Jesus as our Lord and God, we empower ourselves to not only live for Him but also to share His love and light with those around us. To explore more on similar inspirational themes, you may find value in reading about Bible verses about going or taking a look at John 20:27 for further exploration of faith and Jesus’ love.