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The Empty Chair

 

John 20:24 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 

Thomas earned the nickname, “Doubting Thomas,” from his response, or his failure to be there with the other disciples. I don’t know why he wasn’t there, but maybe when he heard of the resurrection of Jesus, he doubted that it was true. Nevertheless, he wasn’t there so let’s look at what he missed.

  1. The appearance of Jesus - John 20:19 - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Here, you see, they knew Him when they saw Him. These men were frightened, of course. He appeared in His glorified body and came into the room even though the doors were locked. We learn from this that the glorified body is not subject to the laws of the material universe. That is why I believe that when the Rapture occurs and our bodies are changed, there will be no problem for us to meet the Lord in the air. (J. Vernon McGee) 
  2. The gladness of the Lord - John 20:20 - And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 
  3. The Commission of the Lord - John 20:21 - Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. AS Jesus commissioned His disciples to go, He also has commissioned all believers to go tell the Good News of Jesus.

What do you miss when your chair is empty during a service at your church?