The doors were still locked (a repost)

03Jan
by Jon Swanson

(This is a repost from April 15, 2009. It was suggested by Rich and made sense for the beginning of a new year.)

Thomas gets beat up by history.

He is known by everyone as “doubting Thomas.” No one remembers that he was the disciple who said, “we’ll probably all die, but let’s follow Jesus anyway.” Ho one remembers that the rest of the disciples didn’t believe the women on Easter Sunday.

I’ve never noticed, until now, that though the rest of the disciples  had seen Jesus, their behavior wasn’t much different than Thomas a week after the resurrection. In fact, on the night that Jesus showed Thomas his hands and side, Thomas expressed more faith than the rest.

John is telling us about the appearances of Jesus. He writes,

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [John 20:19]

Why were the doors locked? Because they were afraid. And well they should be. This was the church in its infancy. And that is a risky time for new beings.

Jesus appears. Jesus talks with them. Jesus disappears. They talk to Thomas. Thomas expresses his infamous doubt.

And, John says,

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [John 20:26]

The doors were still locked. Thomas could be excused. He wasn’t sure that Jesus was alive. But the rest of them had seen Jesus. They knew that everything he had said was true. They had seen that he could die and then live.

But they were still afraid. Because he still had to say, “Peace.” And the doors were still locked.

And we still lock our doors in fear.

 

5 thoughts on “The doors were still locked (a repost)”

  1. Frank Reed

    Not only that but Thomas’ proclamation of “My Lord and my God!” showed he had a true understanding that came from his ‘doubt’. I really hate how the church treats Thomas. It was his inquiring mind that asked the question that led to Jesus’ proclamation in John 14:6 as well. Personally, I love Thomas because he was very real.

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  2. Joseph Ruiz

    Happy New year guys. I appreciate the Thomas perspective it is really helpful. I must admit right now I am still adjusting my nose after walking straight into the locked door. I suppose a bit of conviction is a pretty good way to launch the new year. I really do want to live out trust and move away from anxiety, fear, judgment etc.

    Good Word. Look forward to the journey with you. May God give us all his grace, peace, strength and understanding.
    Joe

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  3. Lyla Lindquist

    Popping out of my Reader to comment. Jon, thanks for this post. I’ve long held Thomas in high regard. He is one of my favorite Biblical figures, perhaps my favorite amongst the disciples for his honesty. And the way I’ve always figured, he most likely asked the questions the other fellows wanted to but were afraid to say out loud. I always imagine them jockeying for better position to see when Jesus invited him to slip his fingers into the holes in His hands and reach his hand into His side.

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