Jesus in the World’s Religions – Fall 2017 – PRIVATE ARCHIVE

As previously stated, it is an invitation for all, regardless of race, to believe in Jesus as the Savior of all mankind.  The reader should see that all those around him/her have that same opportunity as they do to come to the knowledge of Jesus’ divine power to save.

Here, I attempt to show the reader that Thomas is believing because Jesus is present with him.  That belief goes away the same time Jesus goes away.  Thomas is holding onto this idea that if Jesus goes away, His power and divinity disappear as well.

Traditional site of Thomas’ martyrdom

Robert Frykenberg notes, “What had begun with the Thomas Tradition–belief that the Apostle brought the Gospel to India in AD 52–remains extremely strong, whatever the historicity of this tradition may be.  Thomas Christians continue to respond to sceptics that the evidence for Thomas coming to India is as strong as the evidence for Peter coming to Rome.  The presence of the Gospel in India, from this perspective, antedates any canon, creed, or council in the West” (Christianity in India: From Beginnings to the Present).

See Matthew 28:19

This is not to be seen as Jesus chastising Thomas.  It should be seen as an internal struggle.  Thomas is asking himself, “Why did I not believe?”  “What is wrong with me?”

As discussed in the opening comments, this is directed towards those who desire tangible evidence of Jesus’ divinity.  It brings the concept of faith in the picture.  I agree with the definition of faith given in Hebrews 11:1 which reads, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This final chapter on the resurrection of Jesus is addressed to those who hold atheist or agnostic views.  These two traditions are generally thought of wanting tangible evidence or proven by science.  Therefore, I felt it was key to use Thomas who lacked faith and wanted tangible evidence that Jesus indeed lived again.  It also shows that even the most stubborn of people stuck in their ways can accept Jesus as the Savior of all mankind. With the desire for tangible evidence it also brings in the concept of faith and its importance.

The latter portion of this chapter reiterates the message of the previous chapter.  Jesus is the Savior of the world regardless of race.  For this purpose it was important to include Thomas’ travels to the subcontinent of India.

Although brief, this verse should give purpose to Jesus’ death.  If this had not been included the reader would question why Jesus had died.  He had to have a purpose in dying or a reason or it would simply imply the Pharisees finally caught up to Jesus.

I speculate that this was done in secret as the Roman soldier is wary of the penalty of such an act.  I am not familiar with Roman law but I think the consequences would be heavy should he be caught conversing with the Jews.