What is the meaning of John 20:24? Now John opens this sentence with a time-marker that ties what follows directly to what has just happened. Verse 19 records: “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week… Jesus came and stood among them”. So, right after the risen Lord’s first appearance to the gathered disciples, John turns our attention to something crucial that took place simultaneously but out of sight: one member of the inner circle was absent. The word “now” reminds us that the gospel narrative is real history unfolding in real time (cf. Luke 1:3–4). Thomas Thomas shows up three times earlier in John’s Gospel, giving us a window into his personality. • John 11:16—When Jesus heads back to Judea, Thomas bravely says, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him”. • John 14:5—He candidly voices confusion: “Lord, we do not know where You are going.” • John 20:27–28—He will soon move from skepticism to the loftiest confession, “My Lord and my God!” Taken together, Thomas comes across as loyal, straightforward, and desirous of verifiable truth—qualities that many believers can identify with. His journey encourages honest seekers to bring doubts to the risen Christ. called Didymus John twice pairs Thomas’s primary name with an alternate one (see also John 21:2). Mentioning both reinforces eyewitness accuracy. First-century readers who knew Thomas by either name could confirm these events, underlining Peter’s later assertion: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses” (2 Peter 1:16). one of the Twelve By stating Thomas’s place among “the Twelve,” John stresses: • Jesus personally chose him (Luke 6:13–15). • He shared apostolic authority (Matthew 10:2). • His testimony carries weight equal to the other apostles (Acts 1:21–22). Even faithful leaders can struggle with doubt; yet the Lord does not discard them. Instead, He equips them so the church may be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). was not with the disciples Thomas’s absence had immediate consequences: • He missed the joy and assurance the others received when Jesus said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). • He lacked firsthand proof of the Resurrection, which fueled his later skepticism. • He illustrates the warning, “Let us not neglect meeting together… so that we may encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Reasons for his absence are hidden, but the lesson is plain: isolation often breeds uncertainty, while fellowship fosters faith. when Jesus came Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances are bodily and historical, not mystical. He “showed them His hands and His side” (John 20:20). The same Lord will graciously return eight days later, this time with Thomas present, proving that Jesus pursues individual disciples who struggle (John 20:26–27). His willingness to come again underscores His patience and shepherd-heart (John 10:14). summary John 20:24 highlights a missing disciple on resurrection evening. The verse reminds us: timing matters (“Now”), honest doubt need not disqualify (“Thomas”), Scripture is eyewitness truth (“called Didymus”), every believer has a calling (“one of the Twelve”), fellowship is vital (“was not with the disciples”), and Jesus meets us where we are (“when Jesus came”). Together these truths reassure believers that the risen Christ patiently draws even hesitant hearts into unshakeable faith. |
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