Places 22: Jesus Said to Thomas
Then Jesus said to Thomas
Cut out those whispering doubts
that won’t believe.
Bend, man, bend to truth!
Touch my side, receive.
Don’t hide, don’t hide.
I’m here right now, I’m here.
I heard your grief,
I felt each sob, each tear.
I know you cried and cried.
I know your faith and hope had died—
Now open up your eyes, man,
I’m here and I’m alive!
I long to touch you Thomas
with proof my love survived.
Reach out your trembling hand
and touch my wounded side.
© Ginny Emery 2021
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. John 20:24-29
A note on the lines “Touch the flesh pierced by the sword” John 19:34 records, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”
If you’re interested in a poem’s (and poet’s) life revisions, here’s the 2011 version from Places.
Then Jesus said to Thomas,
“Put your hand into my side.”
So forget the words your mother said
When you stood beside her knee,
Hearing her warnings not to pick the scab
Or touch the ouch.
Reach into His bleeding side.
Touch the flesh
Pierced by the sword.
Feel the sticky wet of it.
It’s not a thing to write about—
The truth’s too personal and real,
So seal it up your probing touch. .
Don’t talk about it trivially.
Don’t joke in fears of HIV
Just try it soberly to see.
Close your eyes.
Like Thomas, feel
His tender tissue.
Are you still alive? Okay.
Then thrust your hand into His side.
and rest
Let His blood flow round your flesh,
His resurrection skin will cover you
wrap you up in life that’s new.
Just do it—
No squeamishness, none.
His open side accepting you
Without the mental garbage
That says it can’t be true.
Just close your eyes to all but faith
Don’t withdraw and walk away.
Turn your seeking fingers
Toward His heart.
As your hand stays in His side.
Move it deeper into darkness,
Wait, in peace, abide,
As warm arms wrap around you
With proof that He’s alive.
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. John 20:24-29
A note on the lines “Touch the flesh pierced by the sword” John 19:34 records, “One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”
