John 20:28

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

Context:This verse is a part of the account of Jesus’ resurrection appearances to his disciples. After Jesus’ crucifixion, he appeared to his disciples multiple times to demonstrate that he had indeed risen from the dead. In this particular passage, the disciple Thomas encounters the resurrected Jesus.

Thomas had not been present when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples, and when they told him about it, he expressed doubt and said that he would not believe unless he could see Jesus’ wounds and touch them with his own hands. Jesus, in his grace and compassion, appears to Thomas a week later, specifically addressing Thomas’ doubts.

When Thomas sees Jesus, he exclaims, “My Lord and my God.” This statement is a profound confession of faith, as Thomas acknowledges the divinity of Jesus. By calling Jesus “Lord,” Thomas recognizes Jesus as his master and ruler. By referring to him as “God,” Thomas acknowledges Jesus as divine, equating him with God Himself.

Thomas’ declaration carries significant theological implications. It underscores Jesus’ deity and affirms the core Christian belief in the divinity of Christ. It also serves as a rebuke to any notion that Jesus was merely a prophet or a wise teacher. Thomas’ words confirm that Jesus is both Lord and God, deserving of worship and devotion.

Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” This statement emphasizes the importance of faith, as Jesus blesses those who believe in him without physical evidence. It suggests that faith in Jesus’ resurrection and divine nature is not solely dependent on tangible proof but can be grasped through spiritual conviction.

John 20:28 serves as a powerful testament to the recognition of Jesus’ divinity by one of his disciples. It affirms the central Christian belief in the deity of Christ and underscores the significance of faith in accepting Jesus as Lord and God. This verse encourages believers to trust in Jesus even without seeing him physically and to embrace the blessing that comes from unwavering faith in him.