They were gathered in the evening.  It was the first day of the week.

And some things may have looked, somewhat less than bleak.

The doors were locked.  Of the Jews, the disciples were in fear.

They were fearing that the Jews would quite soon draw near.

 

Then Jesus came abruptly. He stood within their midst.

This must have been a sight to see, and not a sight to miss.

He spoke to them, bringing peace.  He said, “Peace be with You.”

He showed the wounds in His hands, the hole in His side too.

 

The disciples were rejoicing then! This was so very good.

Their Lord had been put to death, but before them He now stood.

Jesus came to bring peace, and to say something new:

“As the Father has sent me….”  I am now sending You.

He breathed on them, and called out the Holy Spirit’s name.

Telling them to forgive sins, and by them sins could be retained.

 

Now Thomas wasn’t there, when the Lord appeared before,

When the fearful disciples were behind their locked doors.

They told Thomas what they’d seen and heard.  Perhaps said this with a joyful shout.

But Thomas said he’d not believe. Thomas could only doubt.

 

Thomas demanded a few things, in order to believe.

His faith was somewhat lacking.  He could not the truth receive.

His finger must go in the wounds on His hands, which nails had opened wide.

And he must put his finger into the Lord’s wounded side.

 

One week later, the disciples gathered, and again the door was locked.

When Jesus would come back to them, again without a knock.

As before He just appeared, there within their midst.

Wanting all to believe, desiring none resist.

 

Christ had come once more proclaiming: “Peace be with You.”

What would doubting Thomas say?  What would Thomas do?

Jesus invited Thomas to come close and see His hands.

And put his hand into His side; that he might understand.

 

Our Lord exhorted Thomas: “Do not be unbelieving but believe,”

The Lord Himself cannot deceive, nor can He be deceived.

With that Thomas did believe, Christ had rose from the dead.

He gave answer to the Master.  “My Lord and My God” is what he said.

 

The faith of Thomas had been wanting, and this was not ignored.

For there is a faith-filled, more blessed way, of walking with the Lord.

Did Thomas believe because he’d seen?  This is what Jesus asked.

Those are blessed who had not seen, yet to belief held fast.

 

Lord Jesus, as we cower, in our worry and our fear,

Help us to know the truth that You are very near.

You brought peace to the disciples.  Bring peace to us today.

Give meaning to our faith, that from faith we’ll not fall away.

 

Give to us believing hearts, the gift of faithful intercession

Grant forgiveness of our sins as we go to confession.

We cannot see the path ahead, know not where it will lead.

Let us walk by faith in You.  Lord, help us to believe.

 

And give this faith to loved ones who left and lost their way.

Give the truth to loved ones lost in worldly sin today.

Go to them now dear Jesus.  In their midst dear Lord appear.

Let them know of Your deep love for them, that You are always near.

 

Let them see the nail marks, to each one, open Your hands wide.

Help them put their fingers in the wound within Your side.

Open their eyes Jesus.  We pray on bended knees.

Jesus help our loved ones, to at last believe.

 

(John 20:19-31)