AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question One question that has always perplexed me- why did nobody recognise Jesus in Gethsemane, why didn't Thomas or the other disciples recognise him? If my dead grandfather walked through the door I would be in deep shock but I would recognise him- so did Jesus assume another appearance? Is there an answer to this?
Answer Hi Steve, and thank you for your question.
However, I am a little confused myself, and am wondering if you are mixing up some separate references in the New Testament. I am aware of only two references to Gethsemane - in Matthew 26:36, and the parallel passage in Mark 14:32. There is certainly no "recognition problem" on that occasion - by Thomas or any of the other disciples who were with the Saviour just before He was arrested.
Your reference to your late grandfather suggests to me that you may actually thinking of the post-resurrection appearances of the Lord Jesus. The relevant records are those by Luke and John. In Luke 24:13 ff, we have Jesus accompanying the two disciples who were walking back to Emmaus. It is true that, at first, they did not recognise Him but, according to Luke, this was because "... God kept them from recognising Him." (v.16). Later, you may recall, "... their eyes were opened, and they recognised Him." (31) Afterwards, He appeared to the rest of those disciples who were gathered together in Jerusalem and, while it was true that they were startled, it was because they thought that it was a ghost that had appeared to them - but they recognised "it" as Jesus!
John, in 20:19 ff, adds that Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus first appeared to them. He then adds the occasion on which Jesus appeared to the disciples, when Thomas was with them. Again, there is no indication that Thomas did not recognise Who Jesus was. He was merely challenged to apply the "tests" that he had said would be necessary before he would believe that Jesus was alive. His response was, not to fail to recognise Him, but to proclaim Him "My Lord, and my God!" (John 20:29).
I do hope that all of this will have clarified the situation for you, but please feel free to come back with a supplementary question.
Meanwhile, I trust that you have a personal relationship with that same Lord Jesus that will ensure that, when you stand before His judgement seat, He will recognise you! (cf Matthew 25:34ff).
Blessings
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
