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I find it interesting that Christians celebrate Christmas for the four
weeks of the Advent Season in December and reflect on the crucifixion
for the six weeks of Lent before Easter, but then often only give one
day to Easter, the resurrection of Christ. Mel Gibson’s “The Passion
of the Christ” certainly helped us reflect on the sacrifice of Christ
but it was disappointing to me that it only gave a minute or so to the
risen Lord. The resurrection of Christ is the main event. Without it,
Jesus is no different than the others throughout history that have
claimed to be God. If Jesus cannot conquer death he cannot give us
eternal life. His life is not very miraculous if he is dead.
The disciples must have realized that if Jesus were dead then his
teachings were a lie. After the crucifixion they met together, afraid,
perplexed. Then on the first Easter their sadness turned to joy when
Jesus appeared to them. But Thomas, one of the disciples, wasn’t
there. Later, when the others told Thomas the good news, he did not
believe. He was “doubting” Thomas.
Thomas had a pessimistic nature. Once when Jesus was going to
Jerusalem, Thomas said that they might as well all go and die with him.
Now he says that unless he can see for himself, he will never believe.
He sees the conclusion he expects to find.
We, like Thomas, often find what we expect to find. We often see in
others what we expect to see. We often find problems in life because we
expect to find them. We usually hear what we expect to hear.
Vince Lombardi once said that mental attitude accounted for 75% of
winning. Developing a positive attitude toward others and towards life
will make us winners. When we build others up, we help them to become
winners.
The reason Christ died and rose again was so that we might be empowered
to live a victorious life with Him in heaven. If we, like Thomas, take
a pessimistic view of life and of God, we will probably see this life as
hopeless and eternal life as a myth.
But the story of Thomas ends happily. A week after that first Easter,
the disciples were together again and Thomas was with them. Thomas saw
the prints of the nails in Jesus’ hands and felt the wound from the
spear in his side. Thomas saw and believed. His pessimism turned to
joy and hope. He was no longer “doubting” Thomas. (John 20:24-29)
Many people make a special effort to be in church on Easter. Why not
keep the Easter Season alive a little longer this year? When we join
with other Christians in worship, Jesus meets us there. Thomas missed
Jesus because his pessimism kept him away from the fellowship of
believers. If you are looking for hope and joy in your spiritual life,
try worshipping with your Christian friends not just on special days
like Easter but on every Sunday. It worked for Thomas. It can work for
you, too.
Paul Jetter, Upper Valley Community Church |
