One man on a cross insulted his neighbour
by mocking this sufferer who could be his Saviour
– he’d lived his own way though expecting provision –
his needs met by God while he lived in rebellion.

Another who’d lived in a similar manner
now turned and acknowledged and honoured the Saviour,
admitted his guilt and his fair condemnation
and asked for Christ’s mercy, eternal salvation.

Between them there hung on the cross one awaited
right from the beginning when all was created
so good, but the sinning had spoilt this creation
and all would have need of God’s pardon, redemption.

The one who was sorry, looked forward to glory,
received what Christ died for, that prime day of history,
the greatest achievement accomplished and won,
by Jesus, who’d rise, the Good Shepherd, God’s Son.

‘I can’t believe, I won’t believe
until I see and feel
that he is now alive again,
his resurrection real.’

He saw, and then he didn’t need
the hands and side to feel,
for this was Jesus, changed, and yet
with body, solid, real.

We cannot see and touch him now,
the sites of nail-holes feel,
but dare we therefore scorn, insist
their statements were unreal?

So many saw, faithfully told –
surprised, astonished, shocked
– they lost their fear and doubt, grew bold –
and all the world was rocked.
Tune: CM
“Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” … They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.’ Luke 24: 42, 43; for Thomas’ reaction see John 20: 24 – 29