The Resurrected Lord-God

Jesus makes three separate post-resurrection appearances in this section of John. First, He reveals Himself to Mary Magdalene and admonishes her to not cling to His physical body or earthly ministry but she must accept that He has to soon ascend and that is far better for the world. Next, Jesus materializes in a locked room where 10 of the apostles are congregated in fear. They rejoice at seeing their Lord alive and He gives them the Holy Spirit. They must have the Spirit to be regenerate and belief but the Spirit will greatly manifest at Pentecost. He calls them brethren now because they are part of the children of God. And finally, Jesus appears suddenly before Thomas and the other apostles. Thomas had not believe the report of the other 10 and Jesus answers every challenge of the man to touch and see His wounds. In one of the highest Christological confessions in the New Testament, Thomas bows and worships Christ as His Lord (Kurios) and God (Theos). And the important thing is, Jesus receives it. He rejects it not, therefore affirming all the I AM statements. He is God and God is a Trinity. And what Jesus finishes with is a beatitude that shows just because we haven't seen the risen Christ in person does not mean we have an inferior faith. It is better for Christians and the entire world that our Lord rules from His throne today. But we await His return to take us back to the garden state in perfection.