- Home
- Bible
- John
- Chapter 20
- Verse 20
John 20:28
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thomas answered, etc. - Those who deny the Godhead of Christ would have us to believe that these words are an exclamation of Thomas, made through surprise, and that they were addressed to the Father and not to Christ. Theodore of Mopsuestia was the first, I believe, who gave the words this turn; and the fifth Ecumenic council, held at Constantinople, anathematized him for it. This was not according to the spirit of the Gospel of God. However, a man must do violence to every rule of construction who can apply the address here to any but Christ. The text is plain: Jesus comes in - sees Thomas, and addresses him; desiring him to come to him, and put his finger into the print of the nails, etc. Thomas, perfectly satisfied of the reality of our Lord's resurrection, says unto him, - My Lord! and My God! i.e. Thou art indeed the very same person, - my Lord whose disciple I have so long been; and thou art my God, henceforth the object of my religious adoration. Thomas was the first who gave the title of God to Jesus; and, by this glorious confession, made some amends for his former obstinate incredulity. It is worthy of remark, that from this time forward the whole of the disciples treated our Lord with the most supreme respect, never using that familiarity towards him which they had often used before. The resurrection from the dead gave them the fullest proof of the divinity of Christ. And this, indeed, is the use which St. John makes of this manifestation of Christ. See Joh 20:30, Joh 20:31. Bishop Pearce says here: "Observe that Thomas calls Jesus his God, and that Jesus does not reprove him for it, though probably it was the first time he was called so." And, I would ask, could Jesus be jealous of the honor of the true God - could he be a prophet - could he be even an honest man, to permit his disciple to indulge in a mistake so monstrous and destructive, if it had been one?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God--That Thomas did not do what Jesus invited him to do, and what he had made the condition of his believing, seems plain from Joh 20:29 ("Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed"). He is overpowered, and the glory of Christ now breaks upon him in a flood. His exclamation surpasses all that had been yet uttered, nor can it be surpassed by anything that ever will be uttered in earth or heaven. On the striking parallel in Nathanael, see on Joh 1:49. The Socinian invasion of the supreme divinity of Christ here manifestly taught--as if it were a mere call upon God in a fit of astonishment--is beneath notice, save for the profanity it charges upon this disciple, and the straits to which it shows themselves reduced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Thomas answered and said unto him,.... Without examining his hands and side, and as astonished at his condescension and grace, and ashamed of his unbelief: my Lord and my God; he owns him to be Lord, as he was both by creation and redemption; and God, of which he was fully assured from his omniscience, which he had given a full proof of, and from the power that went along with his words to his heart, and from a full conviction he now had of his resurrection from the dead. He asserts his interest in him as his Lord and his God; which denotes his subjection to him, his affection for him, and faith in him; so the divine word is called in Philo the Jew, , "my Lord" (x). (x) Lib. Allegor. l. 2. p. 101.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:28 “My Lord and my God!” This was not an astonished exclamation but a proclamation of heartfelt belief. It concludes John’s declaration of Jesus’ deity that has framed the whole book (see 1:1-18).
John 20:28
Jesus Appears to Thomas
27Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”28Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Evangelism of the Jehovah's Witness
By Paul Washer5.1K06:48Jehovah WitnessISA 43:10MAT 28:19JHN 1:1JHN 14:6JHN 20:281CO 15:1GAL 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting to the authority of Scripture. He highlights the need to accept biblical truths even if they cannot be fully explained. The speaker also shares a personal experience of encountering Jehovah Witnesses and offers helpful strategies for engaging with them. He encourages believers to focus on the core message of the gospel and challenges the Jehovah Witnesses to articulate their understanding of it. Additionally, the speaker addresses the issue of denying the deity of Christ and emphasizes the importance of believing the Bible wholeheartedly, even when certain concepts may be difficult to comprehend.
(John - Part 12): Nicodemus - the Singular Call of God Upon Him
By A.W. Tozer4.8K43:11ExpositionalISA 53:6MAT 6:33MAT 19:16JHN 3:1JHN 20:28ACT 8:26ACT 16:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking eternal life. The young ruler had youth, wealth, morality, and a high position, which are often seen as desirable qualities. However, despite having all these things, he still felt a lack in his life. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the tug of the Holy Spirit and following it immediately. He also mentions other individuals who came to Jesus, highlighting the need for humility and obedience. Ultimately, the message is that only Jesus Christ is enough to fulfill our deepest desires and grant us eternal life.
Just the Name We Need
By Warren Wiersbe4.2K36:13MAT 1:18MRK 16:20JHN 1:18JHN 20:28ACT 20:28ROM 9:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in the sorrows of life. He encourages listeners to trust in God as their shepherd and not fear the future or present. The preacher also highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, where for a moment, God was not with him, but ultimately brought about salvation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is with believers in their service for the Lord, fulfilling a purpose in their lives.
(Through the Bible) Daniel 09-10
By Chuck Smith2.2K53:55ExpositionalPSA 118:22PSA 118:25DAN 9:23DAN 10:17MRK 11:3JHN 20:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the encounter between Daniel and a man in linen, who appears to be similar to the vision of Christ described by John in Revelation. Daniel is overwhelmed by the vision and becomes speechless and weak. However, the man in linen touches Daniel and strengthens him, encouraging him to be strong. Daniel realizes that the seventy years of captivity prophesied by Jeremiah are coming to an end, and he sets himself apart for intensive prayer and seeking God's guidance for the nation.
The Church - Part 3
By Les Wheeldon1.5K1:01:39ChurchMAT 6:33MAT 16:15JHN 3:3JHN 20:281CO 3:14HEB 1:6HEB 8:10In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a woman who encountered a dangerous criminal in a shopping mall. Despite the man's evil intentions, the woman boldly spoke to him about Jesus and the presence of God overwhelmed him. He eventually prayed to Jesus and experienced a radical transformation, becoming a born-again Christian. The story highlights the power of sharing the gospel and the ability of Jesus to change lives. The speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God above all else and not being swayed by the opinions of others or societal movements.
Diety of Christ
By J. Glyn Owen1.2K45:49ChristMAT 16:15MAT 22:41JHN 20:28ROM 9:5TIT 2:13HEB 1:82PE 1:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the deity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus claimed to be divine in an absolute sense, a belief that sets Christianity apart from other religions. The preacher explains that the Christian view of God includes a personal God who is the creator, ruler, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. He argues that when it comes to Jesus, these attributes do not need to be detracted or taken away, but rather can be attributed to Him. The preacher also acknowledges the mystery surrounding the concept of the Trinity, but asserts that it is a fundamental belief in Christianity.
The Sovereignty of God
By Paris Reidhead1.2K39:53Sovereignty Of GodJHN 20:282CO 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of God and His purpose for our lives. He discusses the consequences that can arise from disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, and depression, leading to spiritual defeat. The preacher uses the example of the apostle Paul, who faced neglect and hardship but understood that these circumstances were part of God's plan to make him more like Christ. The sermon encourages listeners to accept God's sovereignty and trust that even the things that seem against us are actually working for our good.
Do We Love Jesus?
By Ernest O'Neill94717:05MAT 6:33LUK 22:19JHN 6:53JHN 20:281CO 11:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus and having a deep relationship with Him. He compares this love to the love between husbands and wives, urging couples to prioritize their relationship with each other and with Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to dedicate time each day to think about and communicate with Jesus, emphasizing that this is the purpose of our lives. He also highlights the significance of holy communion as a pattern for daily life and urges listeners to seek intimacy and connection with Jesus, just as they would with a loved one. The speaker acknowledges that sometimes our Christianity can become dry and burdensome, but assures listeners that by focusing on loving Jesus, they can find richness and fulfillment in their faith.
Studies in Psalm 16:-02
By James K. Boswell87937:47PSA 16:1PSA 16:5JHN 20:281CO 6:20REV 5:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 16:1 and the concept of putting trust in God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as our Lord and surrendering to His authority. They mention the song "Crown Him with Many Crowns" as a reminder of Jesus' lordship. The speaker also uses a personal anecdote to illustrate the idea of drawing closer to God and finding delight in Him.
Robert Murray Mccheyne 1
By Michael Haykin72348:44PSA 26:2JER 33:10JHN 20:28ROM 8:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and preaching of a man named Robert Murray M'Cheyne. The sermon highlights an incident in the 1830s where M'Cheyne engages in a conversation with two Scottish laborers about the importance of life and the fleeting nature of time. M'Cheyne is portrayed as a faithful and dedicated minister who takes the souls under his charge seriously. He emphasizes the urgency of seeking salvation and warns that time is short and everything in this world is temporary. The sermon also includes excerpts from M'Cheyne's own sermons, where he urges people to turn to Christ and make haste for eternity.
Concerning Human Responsibility
By G. Campbell Morgan0Human ResponsibilityRepentance and FaithMAT 4:17JHN 6:29JHN 7:17JHN 18:37JHN 20:28G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the critical nature of human responsibility in relation to Jesus' teachings, particularly focusing on the need for repentance, belief, and obedience. He outlines Jesus' threefold method of teaching: annunciation, application, and appeal, which calls individuals to recognize their need for God's Kingdom and to act upon the truth revealed in Christ. Morgan highlights that true belief is not merely intellectual assent but a volitional act of trust in Jesus as the Savior. He stresses that repentance is the first step towards aligning oneself with God's will, followed by faith in Christ and obedience to His teachings. Ultimately, Morgan calls for a transformative response to Jesus' message, urging listeners to test His words through their actions.
Those Treasures Are Mine!
By Thomas Brooks0PerseveranceFaithPSA 48:14JHN 20:28ROM 8:172CO 5:7EPH 1:3PHP 3:14COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 11:11PE 1:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith in the life of a believer, illustrating how it empowers us to walk in God's ways despite discouragements. He highlights that faith allows us to claim God as our eternal guide and to embrace the promises and treasures found in Christ. By affirming that these blessings are personally ours, faith strengthens our perseverance and hope. Brooks encourages believers to recognize the sweetness and joy that come from a relationship with Christ, asserting that all these treasures belong to us through faith.
The Sweetest and the Most Comforting Word
By Thomas Brooks0Personal Relationship with GodComfort in GodPSA 16:5PSA 73:26ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 20:28ROM 8:322CO 12:9PHP 4:19HEB 13:51PE 5:7Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound comfort found in recognizing our personal relationship with God, declaring that the word 'mine' is the sweetest and most comforting. He illustrates how knowing God as our own brings joy and delight, transforming every experience into a source of pleasure, even amidst trials. Brooks encourages believers to reflect on their ownership of God, which enriches their lives and provides strength, guidance, and support. This understanding turns bitterness into sweetness and burdens into lightness, making God the ultimate source of comfort and joy. Ultimately, he portrays the relationship with God as invaluable, likening it to treasures and comforts that sustain us through life's challenges.
The Deity of Jesus Christ
By R.A. Torrey0Faith in JesusThe Deity of ChristMAT 22:41JHN 10:30JHN 14:1JHN 14:9JHN 20:28ROM 9:5COL 2:9TIT 2:13HEB 1:8REV 1:17R.A. Torrey emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ in Christianity, posing the critical question of His true nature: Is Jesus Christ God? He argues that a correct understanding of Christ's deity is essential for sound faith, asserting that the Bible provides overwhelming evidence of Jesus' divine nature through His names, attributes, and the worship He receives. Torrey highlights that Jesus possesses divine attributes such as omnipotence and omniscience, and fulfills divine offices like creation and judgment, thus affirming His status as God. He warns against modern interpretations that dilute the traditional understanding of Christ's divinity, urging believers to hold firm to the truth of Jesus as God manifest in the flesh.
God the Son: His Pre-Existence
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0MIC 5:2JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 17:5JHN 20:28COL 1:16HEB 1:6HEB 1:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the dual nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, perfectly human and divine, emphasizing His likeness and unlikeness to men. The Scriptures clearly depict Jesus as a man who lived, suffered, and died among men, yet with a sinless character, sacrificial death, and eternal pre-existence. The pre-existence of Christ is directly stated in various Scriptures, highlighting His infinite Person and eternal existence coequal with the Godhead, unaffected by His incarnation. Additionally, the Word of God consistently implies the pre-existence of Jesus through His works of creation, appearances as the Angel of Jehovah, divine titles, attributes of God, and being worshiped as God.
Spirit, Soul and Body
By Raymond Golsworthy0JHN 20:282CO 3:18EPH 4:18PHP 3:121TH 5:23HEB 4:12HEB 12:2Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the intricate relationship between spirit, soul, and body as outlined in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these three separate parts of human beings and the need to maintain the spiritual order of spirit, soul, and body. Golsworthy warns against falling into a counterfeit form of Christianity rooted in the soul rather than the spirit, stressing the significance of a spiritual response to God's Gospel and the necessity of looking to Jesus for spiritual progress.
Jesus, the Son of God
By H.J. Vine0MAT 14:33LUK 17:17JHN 1:14JHN 4:42JHN 9:34JHN 12:41JHN 20:28JHN 20:31EPH 4:13PHP 3:8TIT 2:13HEB 1:81JN 5:5H.J. Vine preaches about a man born blind who gained sight through Jesus, facing opposition from religious leaders but finding rest and joy in knowing Jesus as the Son of God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing the knowledge of the One who saves us, as seen in the story of the ten lepers and the one who returned to give thanks. It highlights the significance of growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as expressed by various biblical figures like Peter, Paul, and John.
A Test: Do You Have the True Jesus?
By Matt Slick0PSA 116:4ZEC 13:9MAT 2:2MAT 11:27LUK 10:22JHN 5:23JHN 9:35JHN 20:28ACT 7:551CO 1:1HEB 1:6HEB 1:8Matt Slick preaches about the importance of recognizing the true Jesus of the Bible, distinguishing Him from distorted versions presented in cult theologies like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. The true Jesus is prayed to, worshiped, and called God, as evidenced by biblical verses. Sincerity in faith is not enough if placed in a false Jesus; only the Jesus of the Bible bridges the gap of sin between God and man.
The Treasures of Divine Truth
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 45:22JHN 20:28EPH 3:181TI 3:16HEB 7:25J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of truly realizing and living by the divine truths we profess as Christians, focusing on the profound impact of the incarnation of the Son of God on our faith, hope, and love. He highlights that faith in the suffering and risen God-man, Jesus Christ, is essential for prayer, spiritual growth, and experiencing God's grace and blessings. Philpot urges believers to deeply contemplate the treasures of Divine truth, especially the Deity of Christ and the Church's relationship with Him, as revealed in the Scriptures, to strengthen their faith and draw closer to God.
The Wagons Are Coming - Genesis 45:27
By Jon Courson0JHN 20:28Jon Courson preaches about the tendency towards pessimism and disbelief, using the stories of Jacob and Thomas to illustrate how seeing tangible evidence can revive one's faith. He emphasizes that even in times of doubt, God's promises remain intact, with various 'wagons' symbolizing God's provision and faithfulness towards His people.
The Divinity of Christ.
By Edward Payson0ISA 9:6ISA 43:10ZEC 12:10JHN 1:1JHN 20:28PHP 2:10COL 2:91TI 3:16HEB 1:81JN 4:1REV 5:12Edward Payson preaches about the importance of acknowledging and believing in Jesus Christ as truly Lord and God, emphasizing the significance of understanding and accepting the divinity and atonement of our Savior. He highlights the essential nature of Christ's divinity in the gospel scheme of salvation, stressing that the character of our Savior is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. Payson urges believers to have a clear and explicit answer to the question of what they think of Christ, as differing opinions on Christ's nature can lead to dangerous heresies and misunderstandings.
Honour Due to the Person of Christ — the Nature and Causes of It.
By John Owen0LUK 17:5LUK 23:46JHN 5:23JHN 20:28ACT 7:56ACT 7:59HEB 4:151PE 1:21REV 5:8REV 22:20John Owen preaches about the importance of honoring and worshiping the person of Christ in all acts of religion, emphasizing that all divine honor is due to the Son of God incarnate. He highlights the necessity of considering the glory, life, and power of the Christian religion in relation to the person of Christ, stating that he is the object of divine honor and worship. Owen explains that in times of distress, gracious discoveries, persecution, growth in grace, and even in death, believers should make especial applications unto Christ through prayer for various needs and experiences.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thomas answered, etc. - Those who deny the Godhead of Christ would have us to believe that these words are an exclamation of Thomas, made through surprise, and that they were addressed to the Father and not to Christ. Theodore of Mopsuestia was the first, I believe, who gave the words this turn; and the fifth Ecumenic council, held at Constantinople, anathematized him for it. This was not according to the spirit of the Gospel of God. However, a man must do violence to every rule of construction who can apply the address here to any but Christ. The text is plain: Jesus comes in - sees Thomas, and addresses him; desiring him to come to him, and put his finger into the print of the nails, etc. Thomas, perfectly satisfied of the reality of our Lord's resurrection, says unto him, - My Lord! and My God! i.e. Thou art indeed the very same person, - my Lord whose disciple I have so long been; and thou art my God, henceforth the object of my religious adoration. Thomas was the first who gave the title of God to Jesus; and, by this glorious confession, made some amends for his former obstinate incredulity. It is worthy of remark, that from this time forward the whole of the disciples treated our Lord with the most supreme respect, never using that familiarity towards him which they had often used before. The resurrection from the dead gave them the fullest proof of the divinity of Christ. And this, indeed, is the use which St. John makes of this manifestation of Christ. See Joh 20:30, Joh 20:31. Bishop Pearce says here: "Observe that Thomas calls Jesus his God, and that Jesus does not reprove him for it, though probably it was the first time he was called so." And, I would ask, could Jesus be jealous of the honor of the true God - could he be a prophet - could he be even an honest man, to permit his disciple to indulge in a mistake so monstrous and destructive, if it had been one?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God--That Thomas did not do what Jesus invited him to do, and what he had made the condition of his believing, seems plain from Joh 20:29 ("Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed"). He is overpowered, and the glory of Christ now breaks upon him in a flood. His exclamation surpasses all that had been yet uttered, nor can it be surpassed by anything that ever will be uttered in earth or heaven. On the striking parallel in Nathanael, see on Joh 1:49. The Socinian invasion of the supreme divinity of Christ here manifestly taught--as if it were a mere call upon God in a fit of astonishment--is beneath notice, save for the profanity it charges upon this disciple, and the straits to which it shows themselves reduced.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Thomas answered and said unto him,.... Without examining his hands and side, and as astonished at his condescension and grace, and ashamed of his unbelief: my Lord and my God; he owns him to be Lord, as he was both by creation and redemption; and God, of which he was fully assured from his omniscience, which he had given a full proof of, and from the power that went along with his words to his heart, and from a full conviction he now had of his resurrection from the dead. He asserts his interest in him as his Lord and his God; which denotes his subjection to him, his affection for him, and faith in him; so the divine word is called in Philo the Jew, , "my Lord" (x). (x) Lib. Allegor. l. 2. p. 101.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:28 “My Lord and my God!” This was not an astonished exclamation but a proclamation of heartfelt belief. It concludes John’s declaration of Jesus’ deity that has framed the whole book (see 1:1-18).