In what ways does John 20:28 challenge us to recognize Jesus as "my God"? The Scene in the Upper Room John 20:26–28 records that eight days after the resurrection “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ … Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look at My hands… Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas answered Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” Thomas’s Declaration: “My Lord and my God!” • “My Lord” affirms Jesus’ rightful authority—Thomas submits on the spot. • “My God” openly identifies Jesus with the divine name, echoing John 1:1. • Spoken by a previously skeptical eyewitness, the words carry undeniable weight and become Scripture’s climactic confession of Jesus’ full deity. How the Verse Challenges Us to Recognize Jesus as “My God” • Personal Ownership: Thomas does not say “the Lord” or “a God,” but “my.” Faith is personal, not theoretical (Galatians 2:20). • Total Surrender: Calling Him “Lord” yields control of life decisions (Luke 6:46). • Worship of His Deity: “My God” places Jesus on the throne of our hearts, demanding reverence (Revelation 5:12–13). • Repentance of Doubt: Jesus commands, “Stop doubting and believe.” Persistent skepticism must yield to revealed truth (Hebrews 11:6). • Confession Before Others: Thomas’ words were public. We also confess Him openly (Romans 10:9–10). • Trust Beyond Sight: Jesus follows with, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (v. 29). Our faith rests on eyewitness testimony recorded in Scripture (1 Peter 1:8–9). Supporting Scriptures Affirming Jesus as God • John 1:1 – “The Word was God.” • Colossians 2:9 – “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.” • Hebrews 1:8 – The Father addresses the Son: “Your throne, O God, endures forever.” • 1 John 5:20 – “He is the true God and eternal life.” • Philippians 2:10–11 – Every knee bows and every tongue confesses Jesus as Lord. Practical Outcomes of Embracing Jesus as “My God” • Daily worship becomes Christ-centered rather than self-focused. • Obedience is motivated by love for the One who is both Lord and God (John 14:15). • Confidence in salvation grows, knowing it rests on the all-sufficient, divine Savior (John 10:28–30). • Mission gains urgency: if Jesus is truly God, His gospel is non-negotiable (Acts 4:12). Living the Confession Today Thomas moved from doubt to devotion in one sentence. So we, too, are called to place Jesus at the center of our beliefs, decisions, and affections—wholeheartedly echoing, “My Lord and my God!” |
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