John 20:19-29.

Events after the Resurrection. They bring into the open three human states. Fear, Peace, Unbelief.

The followers of Jesus, in spite of their brave words before the Cross, they find themselves hiding in 

Jerusalem and Bethany for-'the fear of the Jews'. When the Master was with them they were bold and couragous. After He had gone, fear gripped their hearts. Fear makes people disloyal. In Pro.29:25 we read that, 'The fear of man brings a snare, but in John 4:18 we read ' Perfect love casts out fear'.

It was the presence of Jesus that drove fear out of their hearts and gave them confidence.

They were troubled and shaken by recent events and they needed Peace in their hearts. In Is.57 we read, ' There is no peace says the Lord to the wicked'.

As believers we cannot function properly when our hearts are full of turmoil and insecurity. The ungodly world is marked by a lack of Peace but Jesus is our Peace.

We wonder why unbelief, especially Thomas, filled their hearts. In spite of many wonders and signs we witness unbelief grips our hearts.

However, Notice the way Jesus dealt with Thomas. No harsh words but a gentle loving rebuke. The result. a surrender at His feet. We have a choice at present. A voluntary surrender at His feet and acknowledge Him as Lord and God or face Him one day as Judge.