Thomas My Lord and My God
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him (Jesus),“My Lord and my God!”
What makes this passage powerful evidence for the deity of Christ is that Jesus does not correct Thomas.
In verse 29 Jesus accepted Thomas’ statement that He was Deity or God. If Jesus was not God, then to accept such a statement would have been blasphemy. Thomas has just confessed the truth that Jesus Christ is both Lord and God.
Thomas didn’t merely say, “My Lord and My God!” He said it to Jesus according to the verse.
The Bible is clear that Thomas was speaking only to Jesus. No mention of him speaking to the Father.
Jesus replied,
To claim that Thomas’ reaction was on par with someone exclaiming, “Oh my God!” Is farfetched.
In first-century Judaism it was a grave sin to take the Lord’s name in vain, so this explanation is implausible.
Thomas spoke the truth that Jesus is Lord and God. We should imitate Thomas and not be afraid to address Jesus with the same statement.
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John 20:28 Thomas refers to the Risen Christ as, “My Lord and my God”, and fell at Jesus’ feet to worship Him. Jesus did not rebuke him, but affirmed what Thomas said.
Jesus replied, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”. Jesus said “Seen Me” not “Seen the Father” In saying this, Jesus acknowledged that Thomas’ exclamation was directed at Himself only. This is a clear example of Jesus accepting worship as God.
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Finally, Jehovah’s Witnesses can’t say Thomas was not speaking to Jesus because in their official New World Translation of the Bible John 20:28 says, “In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas didn’t merely say, “My Lord and My God!” He said it to Jesus.
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His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbelief….
Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief….
In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy…. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, “My Lord and my God.” The Desire of Ages, 807, 808.