26 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!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
The loving and gracious condescension of the Potter is here clearly demonstrated as He acquiesces to the skeptical demands of the clay. This is a clear instance of our Lord stooping down to strengthen man’s doubting weak faith, kindly allowing even His wounds to be poked and prodded in order for His Apostle to believe. Jesus appeared again to the Apostles for the unique express purpose of convincing and satisfying the mind of Thomas as well as to issue him a forthright challenge to a personal commitment. Thomas, the doubter, a week earlier had recklessly spouted his faith could only be had by sight and touch. He demanded solid proof which his eyes could see and his hands could feel.
Jesus timed His visit when not one of the Apostles was missing. He was completely aware of those who were secretly assembled behind that locked door – He knew not one of them was absent and He orders His appearance accordingly. It is a great comfort indeed that our Lord’s eye is forever upon the believer. I am thankful for David’s encouraging words in the following Psalms and exemplified by our Lord’s actions to Thomas:
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; Psalms 34:15 (NIV)
6 My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; Psalms 101:6 (NIV)
We are also told in 2 Chronicles the following sweet Truth:
9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Chron 16:9 (NIV)
Ever like Jesus to enter the scene proclaiming “Peace”. The word translated “Peace” is from the Greek word “Eirene” which carries with it the wonderful following meaning: “peace, tranquility, repose, calm, harmony, accord; well-being, prosperity; it denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being. Such a state of peace is the object of divine promise and is brought about by God’s mercy, granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin. Hence the message of salvation is called the gospel of peace for this peace can only be the result of reconciliation with God.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want this state of perfect bliss? This certainly does not mean a life without trouble or conflict – indeed our Lord even promises us tribulation – both believer and non-believer alike. What it does mean to the believer is His wonderful unshakable peace even amidst these trying circumstances. His children are to be too deeply rooted and grounded in Him to be too much affected by the harsh circumstances of life. As we fix our eyes on Jesus - our peace - we rise above the tribulations - looking down upon them - and even using the strong winds of them to propel us upward - much like the eagle in a storm. We will always find His peace more than sufficient as we rely on – attach ourselves to - the Prince of Peace in lieu of fighting against Him concerning our best. Jesus promises:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
“A peaceable man does more good than a learned one.” Thomas a Kempis
We should note also the trouble our Lord took as well as the amazing kindness He was pleased to demonstrate towards a weak and struggling disciple. Thankfully, the Lord tenderly cares for the weakest member of His mystical body ever ready to heal and restore their strength. It is a wonderful example our Lord puts forth for all of His followers to follow. The pains that Christ took for Thomas we ought to also be willing to take for others. Indeed, Scripture tells us we are to bear with the weak:
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:1-4 (NIV)
“Love one another that it may at last be said of Christians as it was at first: ‘Behold how they love one another.’” Ralph Venning
Out of the deepest love and concern for him, Jesus desired freedom for Thomas from his persistent doubting, questioning and discrediting of everyone. Remember, Thomas was the one remaining in bondage; the other disciples were strengthened in their faith, joyful and free. Jesus was out to correct his apostle and free him from his besetting sin – our Lord wanted Thomas’ unbelieving disposition gone – for his own good and for God’s great glory.