All Earth's hopes hung on Jesus' tomb being empty and His body physically, but supernaturally raised. There were many raised at His rising; even Lazarus was still living proof of His Power. But we must note a great distinction: even though these all came from the clutches of death, yet only our Lord's resurrected body was unique. His was glorified, while all others were not! Major difference! What do you suppose was the difference that caused His to emerge unique from theirs? Lazarus was just as dead as Jesus, but he was not in possession of a like body. Why not? He lived only to die again. Your thoughts here?

Jesus will spend the next 40 days proving this point to many for faith to be secured. There can be no doubt or wavering among His witnesses; the Faith of future generations hang in the balance. This is the message of Thomas! Hence, 21st Century man can be just as secure in his salvation won by the ancient but never aging Christ, because His record is true. Not one witness has faltered; therefore, we are the more assured today from that great cloud of succeeding witnesses. Hear their voices from another time, spanning the gulf from their world to ours. They have seen, touched, heard, and declare to us that we might have fellowship with them and our joy, as theirs, be full. For this purpose John has so written! ( Heb.12:1-2, I Jn.1:1-5)

So, it began with the woman chosen by Jesus, Mary Magdalene, to tell the Gospel Story; and like the woman at the well returning to her fellow citizens, her invitation is the same: "Come see a man who has told me all things ever I have done; Is not this the Christ?" Nathanael declares it so from the very beginning, Mary now at the end. But that is not enough! Their witness gives evidence only to: (1) His reality, and (2) their faith, but falls short in securing another's salvation. This must be done by all and each personally. Thomas hesitated eight days, but with himself convinced, he would say to us today: Don't another delay!