April 28, 2023 – John 20
I am the oldest of 29 cousins. More than 70 years ago our grandparents and parents planned a family reunion every two years. We would gather for an entire week at a Bible camp in the summertime. With the two grandparents, the six siblings and their husbands, and the 29 cousins, we were 43 of us. We children frolicked from morning till night then serious card games would take place until the wee hours of the morning.
A favorite game in those early days was “I Doubt It.” This was a game that rewards those who can lie the most effectively. The role of the other players is to see through the deception and to shout out “I doubt it.” I doubt you are telling the truth, show me your cards. As the evening wore on, the voices often became more insistent and passionate, “I doubt it. I doubt it.”
John 20 is all about an “I doubt it” event. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus, is not present when Jesus first appears to his disciples after this resurrection. When the disciples breathlessly describe this encounter, Thomas’ response would have fit well into our card game, “I doubt it.” I doubt it. I doubt that what you are telling me is true. Jesus could never have risen from the dead. That is impossible. I doubt it.”
The next time Jesus appears it is when Thomas is present, and now he is simply overwhelmed. All of his doubts are removed and he says the refrain that has lasted for many centuries, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus commends all those who do not have to see him in person and still believe, but he is obviously gratified that now Thomas believes that he has risen.
We live in an age of doubt. With the advent of social media, it is often difficult to know what is true and what is false. It is easy to become cynical and to sound like we are playing this old card game, "I doubt it. I doubt it.”
One of the most powerful moments in the life of Lutheran Church of Hope is Easter weekend, when thousands of people hear the proclamation and all shout together, “He is risen, he is risen indeed.” For all those who have been doubting whether Jesus is real, or whether he has risen from the dead, Easter is the eternal promise that Jesus has risen from the dead, and so also will we. Almost no one leaves the Easter services at Hope doubting this is real, rather it is a power and a reality that stays with us for the rest of the year.
In my advancing years I take a series of meds. When one of my bottles of pills runs out, I need to call the pharmacy and order a new supply. I am asked by the recorded voice to repeat the number on the front of the bottle, then she repeats what I have said, and then says if what she has repeated is correct, I should say, “Confirm it.” When I say “Confirm it,” it is a done deal and she tells me when I can pick up the medication.
Easter invites us to do the same thing. When we have heard the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, when we are asked to be Easter people, then we can also say “Confirm it. Confirm it.” I have heard the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I believe it. Confirm it.
Questions for reflection:
- Has your life ever resembled the “I Doubt It” game?
- How does the Easter message help remove the doubts we might have?
- In what ways can we echo Thomas’ words, “My Lord and My God?”