Introduction

The question of why Jesus did not correct Thomas when he proclaimed, "My Lord and my God," immediately after seeing the resurrected Christ, has been a topic of much debate in biblical studies. This article aims to provide clarity on this matter, drawing from various scriptures and the teachings of Jesus himself.

Context and Significance

The episode in John 20:28, where Thomas calls Jesus "my Lord and my God," is significant in the context of Jesus' resurrection. Thomas's declaration was more than a personal affirmation of faith; it was a statement of recognition of Jesus' divine nature, something that Jesus did not correct nor rebuke. This episode has been discussed intensively, leading to questions regarding the nature of Jesus and his relationship with the Father.

The Nature of Jesus as the Begotten Son

The gospels provide us with numerous instances that illustrate the unique relationship between Jesus and God. For instance, in John 3:16-17, Jesus is described in a way that highlights his role as God's only-begotten Son, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." "For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world but for the world to be saved through him."

In Proverbs 8:30, Jesus is referred to as the "one who was beside him as a master worker. I was the one he was especially fond of day by day I rejoiced before him all the time." These verses highlight Jesus' close relationship with the Father, but also point to the fact that Jesus, as the begotten Son, has a beginning, having been created by God.

Similarly, in John 1:18, it is stated that the only one who "has seen God at any time the only-begotten God who is at the Father's side is the one who has explained Him." This emphasizes that Jesus is the only-begotten God who stands in the divine presence of the Father.

The Importance of the Resurrection

The context of Thomas's declaration was his doubting of the resurrection. In John 20:24-29, Thomas' doubt is particularly significant given that he had not seen the resurrected Christ during the occasions where the other disciples did. His belief and declaration after seeing the risen Christ is a powerful testimony to the significance of the resurrection in Christian faith.

Jesus did not correct Thomas because Thomas's belief was now in line with the truth of the resurrection. This is an example of Jesus providing spiritual insight without necessarily correcting every statement made by disciples out of love and compassion.

The Controversial Nature of the Trinity

Many Christians believe in the concept of the Trinity, which holds that Jesus is both the begotten Son of God and fully God as a coeternal person. However, this belief is not universally accepted, especially within non-Trinitarian traditions such as Oneness Pentecostalism and other non-Trinitarian Christian groups.

These groups argue that the term "begotten" in scriptures like Colossians 1:15 and Proverbs 8:22, which say, "and he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" and "the Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old," suggests that Jesus had a beginning and was created by God, contradicting the Trinitarian concept of eternal coexistence.

Trinitarians would argue that the term "begotten" is used in a metaphorical sense to denote the unique relationship of Jesus to the Father and does not imply a chronological beginning. They assert that Jesus' nature as the advocate and image of the invisible God does not negate his eternal existence in the divine context.

Conclusion

Thomas's declaration in John 20:28 is an important moment that underscores the deep faith and conviction of a disciple who has come to understand the true nature of Jesus. It is a moment of spiritual clarity and a testament to the transformative power of seeing the resurrected Christ.

Ultimately, Jesus' choice not to correct Thomas reflects his love for his disciples and his desire to draw them closer to the truth of the gospel, which is grounded in the resurrection and the unique relationship between the Father and the Son.