The Appearance to the Eleven and Thomas - Week 27

John 20:19-31


Note: The study related to these questions may be found at Catholic Exchange. Please go to their site for the complete material concerning this study. Unless otherwise noted, on scriptural references are from the Revised Standard Version (RSV). Below are my thoughts on the questions presented for the given study (Please see disclaimer at bottom).

Read John 20:19-31

1. When does Jesus appear to the disciples? Why might that be? What have the disciples been doing?
(a) Jesus does not appear to the Eleven until the evening of that day. (b) He may have waited as a test of their faith. Jesus had already appeared to Mary Magdalene and perhaps the disciples were wondering why He did not appear to them first, and as the hours wore on, why He had still not appeared. (c) The disciples were hiding "for fear of the Jews".

2. What is the Hebrew word for "peace"? What does it mean? (See Points to Ponder.)
(a) Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. (b) It does not simply connote an absence of conflict, but instead a harmony between people.

3. Jesus showed his disciples his hands and side. Why does that matter?
(a) To show that He indeed did rise from the dead. That he is not just a spirit, but still possesses a physical nature. We see Jesus address this specific point in Luke's gospel:

35: Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36: As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37: But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38: And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39: See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41: And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42: They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43: and he took it and ate before them. (Luke 24:35-43)


4. What is the source of the Church's missionary work?
(a) The source of the Church's missionary work is Christ Himself.

5. What is the significance of Jesus breathing on the disciples?
(a) By breathing on the disciples He commissions them to go into the world with the same authority He possesses. This is significant because it illustrates that the Church, while being a human institution, is also a divine institution.

6. What sacrament finds its origins in the words recorded in v. 23?
(a) The Sacrament of Reconciliation.

7. What is the difference between Thomas' doubts and those of the Pharisees?
(a) Thomas is doubting but maintains the hope of understanding. He is struggling to maintain his belief in Jesus, not struggling to disbelieve what Jesus has accomplished. The latter is more akin to the attitude of the Pharisees.

8. Why is it significant that Jesus was seen "eight days later"? Does Jesus rebuke Thomas? Does he reject him? What is Thomas' response? What does Jesus want us to learn from this?
(a) That Jesus was seen "eight days later" is significant because it illustrates that his first appearance was not some mass hallucination. In St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses this specific point:
1: Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, 2: by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain. 3: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4: that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5: and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6: Then he appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7: Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8: Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (1 Cor 15:1-8)
(b) Jesus dos not rebuke Thomas. (c) Jesus does not reject promise. (d) Once Thomas realizes the reality of Jesus' resurrection, he makes the following proclamation:
Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
(e) By this example, Jesus illustrates perfect love. He understands that this is difficlut for Thomas and instead of casting Thomas out, or pushing him away, Jesus instead draws Thomas closer. Thomas responds to this by his wonderful proclamation.

9. Does John mean to record a complete biography of Jesus?
(a) No. John realizes that we are aware of the story of Jesus, either through oral impartation or by having read the Synoptic Gospels.

10. Why does John record the material he does preserve? (a) To provide details of theological importance that were not mentioned in any of the Synoptic Gospels.

Disclaimer: I do not wish to present myself as an expert in either theology, history, or scriptural interpretation. I am merely someone who is attempting to answer the call of Christ. The ultimate authority and interpreter of scripture is our Holy Catholic Church. If at any point I deviate from the teachings of the Church, please correct me, alfredo@nevarez.net, as this is my shortcoming and in no way meant to be an expression of my views superceding those of the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

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 Alfredo Nevarez
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