Christianity

Thomas confessed the risen Jesus as 'my Lord and my God,' and Jesus commended rather than...

In the Gospel of John, the encounter between the risen Jesus and Thomas serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, particularly in the discussion of Jesus' deity. Proponents of the traditional Christian understanding of this passage argue that Thomas's confession of Jesus as "my Lord and my God" in John 20:28 is a clear affirmation of the deity of Christ. This argument is bolstered by the fact that Jesus does not correct Thomas but rather commends those who believe without seeing. Let's examine the strength of this argument and consider what it establishes within the text.

Thomas's Confession and Jesus' Response

The scene is set in John 20:24-29, where Thomas, also known as Didymus, expresses skepticism about Jesus' resurrection. He declares that unless he sees and touches the wounds of Jesus, he will not believe. When Jesus later appears to the disciples, Thomas is present, and Jesus invites him to touch his wounds. Thomas responds with the declaration, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

Advocates of this passage as evidence for Jesus' deity, such as theologians like D.A. Carson and N.T. Wright, argue that Thomas's use of "my Lord and my God" is significant. In a Jewish context, addressing someone as "my God" would be considered blasphemous if directed toward a mere human. Therefore, the argument goes, Thomas must be recognizing Jesus as divine.

Furthermore, Jesus' response is telling. Instead of rebuking Thomas for blasphemy, Jesus says, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). This response is interpreted as an endorsement of Thomas's confession, implying that those who believe in Jesus' deity without physical proof are blessed.

The Strength of the Argument

The argument for Jesus' deity from this passage is robust in several ways. Firstly, the language used by Thomas is direct and unequivocal. The Greek words "κύριός" (kyrios) and "θεός" (theos) were commonly used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) to refer to Yahweh, the God of Israel. Thus, Thomas's confession, in this context, aligns Jesus with the divine identity of Yahweh.

Secondly, Jesus' lack of correction is significant. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often corrects misunderstandings about his identity and mission. His acceptance of Thomas's declaration suggests that it is accurate. In Jewish law, blasphemy was a serious charge, yet Jesus does not rebuke Thomas, which supports the interpretation that Jesus accepts this divine attribution.

What the Passage Does and Does Not Establish

This passage strongly supports the view that the author of John's Gospel presents Jesus as divine. Thomas's confession and Jesus' response are consistent with the broader Johannine theme of Jesus' divine identity, as seen in passages like John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word who "was God."

However, it is important to note what this passage does not establish. It does not, by itself, provide a systematic theology of the Trinity. While it affirms Jesus' divine status, it does not explicitly address the relationship between Jesus and the Father or the Holy Spirit. The passage does not negate other New Testament texts that emphasize Jesus' humanity or his distinct role within the Godhead.

Additionally, some scholars, such as James Dunn, argue that this passage reflects a high Christology that developed over time within the early Christian community. They suggest that the Gospel of John, written later than the Synoptic Gospels, emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus more explicitly as part of this theological development.

Conclusion

John 20:28-29 is a compelling text for those who affirm the deity of Jesus. Thomas's confession and Jesus' response provide strong internal evidence within the Gospel of John for the understanding that Jesus is divine. However, while this passage underscores the divine identity of Jesus, it must be considered alongside the broader scriptural witness to fully appreciate the complex and nuanced portrayal of Jesus' nature in the New Testament. The text affirms the belief that Jesus rightly receives worship as God, yet it invites further reflection on how this belief integrates with other biblical teachings about Jesus and the nature of God.