Discipleship & Thomas

John 20:19-29

When you hear the word, "Disciple," what comes to mind?

In the most general terms, a disciple is one who studies and follows the teachings of someone else.  It could be an individual person or group, or even an idea or philosophy.

We find 12 named disciples in the Bible, but there were many others--people of all sizes, shapes, colors, backgrounds--men and women, too, who studied and followed the teachings of Jesus.  We are Jesus' disciples today, even though we've never met Jesus in the same way that Peter, James, John, Mary Magdalene and Thomas did.  As Christians, we study and do our best to follow the teachings of Jesus, which makes us his disciples.  

After Jesus' death and resurrection, he appeared to the disciples who followed him around for three years, listening, watching and learning from him.  He showed Thomas the scars on his hands and side, and Thomas believed that Jesus was alive once again.  Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes.  Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing."  (The Message)

Jesus was talking about people like you, and like me, when he said those words--words which have been true for nearly 2,000 years!  We haven't stood face-to-face with Jesus, but by God's grace we are blessed with faith and friendship through His Church.

AMEN.