Judges 6:36–40
Ephesians 4:7, 11–16
John 20:24–29
St. Thomas, Apostle
The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). We have the testimony of the truth, so that the Church is not “carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning” (Eph. 4:14). As the Lord confirmed His truth to Gideon (Judges 6:36–40), so He does not turn away Thomas, but reveals His crucified and risen body to him, creating faith (John 20:27-28). Christ’s wounds are the source of our redemption and peace. Strengthened by this, Thomas is said to have brought the Gospel to India and faced a martyr’s death. Those who follow the Master will suffer on account of His Name (John 15:18–21). But by the confession of the truth, the body of Christ grows “up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15), whom Thomas praised as his “Lord” and his “God” (John 20:28).
Sources:
Image of Thomas in the upper room copyright Google Images
Lectionary Summary copyright LCMS commission on worship
