Thomas and every person named Thomas thereafter have been given a bad rap because their name has been paired with doubt (e.g., “Doubting Thomas”). Yes, the disciple Thomas doubted, but don’t all of us doubt at least once? I admire him for demanding truth instead of listening to hearsay. It would be beneficial in our times if more people demanded to see or hear for themselves instead of relying solely on what others tell them.
But Jesus’ response gnaws at me also. In the weeks, months, years, decades, and centuries that followed, where would we be in our spiritual walk if we didn’t believe in Jesus based on what was written? We cannot see the nail marks in His hands, put [our] finger(s) where the nails were, and put [our] hand(s) into His side. We would be lost in darkness, sentenced to an eternity in hell.
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:24-29 NIV
Father, please open our senses so that we may know You better. Reveal Yourself to our family and friends who do not yet have a personal relationship with You. Please guide them to accept Your free gift of salvation. May we never doubt. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
