April 11, 2021 (Sunday)>
After His resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared eleven times. The appearance discussed in this blog is the appearance to the disciples with Thomas present.
“He appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles” (1 Cor 15:5).
“A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” In his disciples’ presence Jesus performed many other miracles which are not written down in this book. But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life” (John 20:26-31).
Jesus met with the disciples one week after their first meeting, and Thomas was there. From the moment Thomas saw Jesus, he had no more doubts. Although Jesus invited him to place his hand and fingers on the wounds, the Bible does not say he did that; he simply responded with, “My Lord and my God!” After saying Thomas believed because he saw the resurrected Jesus, Jesus went on to say that you and I are blessed because we have believed without seeing. We know the Lord by faith. We believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and through that faith in Him we have eternal life. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEE
Words, Ray Palmer
Music, Lowell Mason
1832
My faith looks up to thee
Thou Lamb of Calvary
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray
Take all my guilt away
O let me from this day
Be wholly thine!
May thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart
My zeal inspire!
As thou hast died for me
O may my love to thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire!
When life’s dark maze I tread
And griefs around me spread
Be thou my guide
Bid darkness turn to day
Wipe sorrow’s tears away
Nor let me ever stray
From thee aside
When ends life’s transient dream
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll
Blest Savior, then in love
Fear and distrust remove
O bear me safe above
A ransomed soul!
1. The appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the message to the disciples Mar 16:9-11 John 20:11-18.
2. The appearance of Jesus to the other women Mat 28:9-10. (Some of the guard report to the Jewish rulers Matt 28:11-15.)
3. The appearance to two disciples (Cleophas and another) on the way to Emmaus Mark 16:12-13 Luke 24:13-32.
4. The report of the two disciples and their news of the appearance to Simon Peter Luke 24:33-35 1Cor 15:5
5. The appearance to the astonished disciples (Thomas absent) with a commission and their failure to convince Thomas Mark 16:14 Luke 24:36-43 John 20:19-25.
6. The appearance to the disciples the next Sunday night and the convincing of Thomas John 20:26-31 1Cor 15:5.
7. The appearance to the seven disciples beside the Sea of Galilee; The miraculous draught of fishes John 21:1-25.
8. The appearance to about five hundred on an appointed mountain in Galilee, and a commission given Mat 28:16-20 Mark 16:15-18 1Cor 15:6.
9. The appearance to James the brother of Jesus 1Cor 15:7.
10. The appearance to the disciples with another commission Luke 24:44-49 Acts 1:3-8.
11. The last appearance and ascension Mar 16:19-20 Luke 24:50-53 Acts 1:9-12