What role does community play in strengthening belief, as seen in John 20:24? Setting the scene “ But Thomas, one of the Twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.” (John 20:24) What Thomas missed by skipping the gathering • The risen Lord’s physical appearance (John 20:19–20) • Shared celebration and firsthand testimonies of the other disciples (v. 20) • Immediate peace and commissioning from Jesus (v. 21) • The outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment (v. 22) Community as a conduit for faith • Shared witness: when believers gather, personal encounters with Christ are multiplied and verified. • Mutual encouragement: “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Thomas had no one beside him to sharpen his faith that first night. • Accountability: Presence in the body guards against isolation-bred doubt (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). • Corporate reception of truth: the disciples heard Jesus’ “Peace be with you” together; Thomas missed that steadying word. How community restored Thomas • One week later he chooses to be present (John 20:26). • Jesus meets him inside the gathered group—no private appearance. • Public confession flows out: “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). • His strengthened faith now joins the chorus of witnesses that bless future believers (v. 29). Principles for believers today • Regular gathering positions us to experience Christ’s tangible work (Hebrews 10:24–25). • The testimony of others supplies what our eyes may not yet see (Romans 10:17). • Absence may open the door to unnecessary doubt; presence invites unexpected revelation. • Faith is personal yet never private; God often speaks to individuals within the body’s collective setting (Acts 2:42–47). Living it out • Prioritize assembling with fellow believers on the Lord’s Day and in smaller groups. • Listen actively to others’ stories of God’s faithfulness; let them bolster your own trust. • When doubts arise, bring them into the light of community rather than withdrawing. • Seek opportunities to be the voice of encouragement somebody else may need, just as the ten disciples were for Thomas. Together, we witness more, believe deeper, and proclaim louder: Jesus is alive. |
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