John 20:28
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
John 20:28
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!", isn't just an exclamation of relief; it's a profound confession that Jesus is not only his Master but divine. Notice how Jesus doesn't correct this bold assertion, but instead affirms it, pointing out that Thomas's belief stemmed from seeing, a lower form of faith than the blessedness reserved for those who believe without seeing.
Thomas, who had previously doubted Jesus' resurrection, finally sees the risen Lord before him. In response to Jesus' invitation to examine his wounds, Thomas bypasses the physical test and immediately declares Jesus as "My Lord and my God," a profound confession of faith that concludes the Gospel.
Thomas's journey from stubborn doubt to ecstatic faith is one of the most powerful in Scripture. What did his words, 'My Lord and my God!' truly signify?
Thomas's confession is more than just an acknowledgment of Jesus' resurrection. It's a profound declaration of Jesus' divine nature.
From Skepticism to Divinity
When Jesus first appeared to the disciples, Thomas wasn't there. He famously stated he wouldn't believe unless he saw the nail marks and put his finger in Jesus' side. When Jesus finally appeared to Thomas and offered him exactly that, Thomas didn't go through with it. Instead, his doubt evaporated in an instant.
A Masterpiece of Faith
His exclamation, 'My Lord and my God!', is the climax of the Gospel of John. It’s not an aside or an expression of shock addressed to God the Father. It is a direct, heartfelt confession to Jesus Himself, recognizing Him not just as a resurrected man, but as divine. Jesus accepts this confession without correction, underscoring its truth and significance.
When Thomas called Jesus 'My Lord and my God,' Jesus didn't correct him. Why is this silence so powerful?
Jesus' response to Thomas's confession is as significant as the confession itself. By not rebuking Thomas, Jesus implicitly validates the title 'God' being applied to Him.
The Test of Divine Acceptance
If Jesus were merely a prophet or a man, allowing such a declaration would be dishonest and wrong. However, Jesus accepts it, approving Thomas's leap of faith and his recognition of Jesus' divine identity. This is crucial because it aligns with Jesus' own claims throughout the Gospel of John.
A Higher Standard of Belief
Jesus uses this moment not just to affirm His divinity, but to introduce a concept that resonates throughout the New Testament: blessedness for those who believe without seeing. Thomas's faith, though born from seeing, leads him to a profound truth that Jesus extends to all believers who trust His Word.
Understand the original words
kyrios / theos · Greek Noun
A confession of authority, sovereign rule, and divine nature, recognizing Jesus as both master and the one true God, highlighting His deity.
Thomas's powerful confession, 'My Lord and my God!', recorded in John's Gospel, is understood as the climax of the disciples' recognition of Jesus' divine nature after His resurrection. This moment isn't just about Thomas overcoming doubt; it's about the profound affirmation of Jesus' deity, a truth the Gospel aims to reveal.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and, according to the Gospels, rises from the dead three days later. This event is the foundation of Christian faith.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Appears to Disciples
Following his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples multiple times over a period of 40 days. Thomas the Apostle was absent during one of these appearances.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Thomas's Doubt and Confession
Thomas initially doubts Jesus' resurrection, famously stating he will not believe unless he can see and touch Jesus' wounds. Upon Jesus' reappearance and invitation, Thomas confesses, 'My Lord and my God!'
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After his post-resurrection appearances, Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving his disciples to spread the gospel.
This passage declares God as the first and the last, a title used for Jesus in Revelation, underscoring Jesus' divine identity confessed by Thomas.
John 1:1John begins his Gospel by stating 'the Word was God,' providing the theological foundation for Thomas's confession of Jesus as 'My Lord and my God'.
John 10:30Jesus states, 'I and the Father are one,' a statement of unity that aligns with Thomas's dual confession of Jesus as both Lord and God.
Philippians 2:11This verse speaks of every tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, a powerful parallel to Thomas's explicit confession that would soon be echoed by all believers.
1 Peter 1:8Peter speaks of rejoicing in Jesus whom you love, though you have not seen him, highlighting the faith that Thomas achieves here, a model for future believers who also believe without seeing.
cambridgeJohn 20:28: "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
28 . And Thomas answered ] Omit ‘and.’ This answer and Christ’s comment, ‘because thou hast seen ,’ seem to shew that S. Thomas did not use the test which he had demanded. In accordance with his desponding temperament he had underrated the possibilities of being convinced. My Lord and my God ] Most unnatural is the Unitarian view, that these words are an expression of astonishment addressed to God . Against this are (1) th…
clarkeJohn 20:28: "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."
Thomas answered, etc. - Those who deny the Godhead of Christ would have us to believe that these words are an exclamation of Thomas, made through surprise, and that they were addressed to the Father and not to Christ. Theodore of Mopsuestia was the first, I believe, who gave the words this turn; and the fifth Ecumenic council, held at Constantinople, anathematized him for it. This was not according to the spirit of the Gos…
Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!", isn't just an exclamation of relief; it's a profound confession that Jesus is not only his Master but divine. Notice how Jesus doesn't correct this bold assertion, but instead affirms it, pointing out that Thomas's belief stemmed from seeing, a lower form of faith than the blessedness reserved for those who believe without seeing.
Thomas, who had previously doubted Jesus' resurrection, finally sees the risen Lord before him. In response to Jesus' invitation to examine his wounds, Thomas bypasses the physical test and immediately declares Jesus as "My Lord and my God," a profound confession of faith that concludes the Gospel.
Thomas, who had previously doubted Jesus' resurrection, finally sees the risen Lord before him. In response to Jesus' invitation to examine his wounds, Thomas bypasses the physical test and immediately declares Jesus as "My Lord and my God," a profound confession of faith that concludes the Gospel.
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c. AD 60-65
Gospel of John Written
The Gospel of John is written, likely in Ephesus. The author aims to provide evidence for Jesus' divinity, culminating in Thomas's confession as a key declaration of faith.
"Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”" — Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!", isn't just an exclamation of relief; it's a profound confession that Jesus is not only his Master but divine. Notice how Jesus doesn't correct this bold a…