Jesus offers us peace when we are fearful (“Peace be with you” v.21) and he offers us power when we are powerless (“Receive the Holy Spirit” v.22).

Whenever Jesus comes there is peace.When we believe Jesus is son of God we get the Holyspirit and eternal life.
Jesus made Thomas wait for 8 days for not believing. For us it maye be more.

The disciples were filled with fear because of the Jews. Jesus knew their problem and offered them peace. Jesus knows us and knows our situation he can offer us peace in the midst of our troubles.

The disciples told Thomas that they have seen Jesus. But Thomas did not believe them, so he said that he would only believe them when he sees Jesus with the marks on his hands.We should not be like Thomas, we should believe.

I have a question: 22 And when He had said this , He breathed on them , and said to them , “Receive the Holy Spirit.
– what is the difference between receiving Holy Spirit as mentioned here and baptism in Holy Spirit in Acts?

Thomas for too long has been dubbed as doubting Thomas. In a skeptical age like ours I call him Terrific Thomas for he gives us Hope – that doubters are welcome in our church ( “with them”..v 26)Blessed are those who believe without seeing (v 29) But how? Because belief comes through hearing. To what?
Hearing those very words that “belief comes not through sight”. It is hearing God’s voice and word. This is why Jesus opens his lips and “spoke” to Thomas instead of just showing Himself and standing in silence which should have been enough. No that is not enough or even needed. To bless doubters they need to hear.
Can you and I bring a doubting friend to our church for Easter? It is the best way to be a blessing.

Thomas did not believe in Jesus instead he doubted. He wanted to see the mark on Jesus’s hand and touch it. And he was with Jesus all along. We should not doubt Jesus but believe in Jesus.

1. Dreadful disciples
-Due to fear of Jewish leaders the disciples closed the door and stayed inside (v19). Even after Mary Magdalene had told them that she saw Jesus they didn’t go back to check in the tomb again. Did they think Jesus would come and meet them anyhow?
2. Doubting Thomas
-Even after his own buddies told him that they saw Jesus, Thomas is like unless I put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe! (v25). Jesus told him “because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” Amen! We are all blessed!
3. Divine Spirit (Holy Spirit)
-“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (v22-23). Very first time, the disciples have received the Holy Spirit (except Thomas yet)!

In some Christian circles, the work and manifestation of Holy Spirit are not very encouraged. But it is interesting that the very first thing that Jesus provides after declaring peace is the Holy Spirit.