(Based on John 20:19-31)

They were gathered in the evening.

It was the first day of the week.

The situation seemed to the disciples

to be looking less than bleak.

The doors were locked.

Of the Jews, the disciples were in fear.

The fear was that the Jews

would soon be drawing near.

 

Then Jesus appeared abruptly.

He stood within their midst.

This must have been a sight to see—

a sight one could not 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 bringing peace,

and to say something new:

“As the Father has sent me….”

I am now sending you.

Christ breathed on them.

“Receive the Holy Spirit” He pronounced.
Then the power to retain and forgive sins

the Lord announced.

 

Now Thomas wasn’t there,

when the Lord, to them, appeared—

As the disciples were in hiding

behind locked doors in fear,

But they told Thomas all about it,

perhaps with joyful shouts.

Yet Thomas declared he’d not believe.

Not seeing, he could only doubt.

 

Thomas demanded a few things,

only then would he believe.

His faith was somewhat lacking.

He could not, the truth, receive.

His finger must go in the wounds

which nails had opened wide.

And he must put his finger

into the Lord’s wounded side.

One week later they were gathered.

Again, the door was locked.

When Jesus came back to them,

once more without a knock.

As before, He would appear,

there within their midst.

Wanting all to believe,

desiring no one resist.

 

Christ came once more by saying:

The same words: “Peace be with you.”

Now, what would doubting Thomas say?

Just what would doubting Thomas do?

Jesus invited Thomas to come close,

That he might see His hands.

And put his hand into His side;

that he might understand.

 

Our Lord exhorted Thomas:

“Do not be unbelieving but believe,”

That Christ had risen from the dead,
Thomas could now conceive.

He said “My Lord and My God.”
Now Thomas could believe.

 

The faith of Thomas had been wanting.

This cannot be ignored.

For certain there is a more blessed way

of walking with the Lord.

Did Thomas believe because he’d seen?

This, the question Jesus asked.

Those are blessed who have not seen,

yet to their belief hold fast.

 

Lord Jesus, as we cower,

with our worry and our fear,

Help us to know the truth

that You are ever near.

You brought peace to the disciples.

Bring peace to us today.

Give meaning to our faith,

that from our faith we’ll never stray.

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 all of those

who left and lost their way.

Give the truth to those so lost

in worldly lies today.

 

Go now to them in haste.

In their midst, dear Lord appear.

Let them know Your love for them,

that You are always near.

Let them see the nail marks,

to each one, open Your hands wide.

Let them put their hands

in the wound within Your side.

 

Open their eyes Jesus.

We beg You on bended knees.

Help the lost to find their way,

that all may at last believe.