24 Now Thomasa]’>[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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,AL)’>
26 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, “PeaceAN)’> 27 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.”AP)’> blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”John 20
I think Thomas has gotten a bad rap. We all know him as “doubting” but really he just wanted what the other guys had. He wanted to see Jesus. He wasn’t going to take someone else’s word for it. What’s so bad about that?
We talk about Jesus as a personal savior. He made a special appearance for Thomas. He showed him more than the others had seen. But, you say, the Lord said that those who have not seen but believed would be blessed. That’s true. Jesus knew that for generations of followers, He would not be seen in the flesh. He would not be physically touched on this earth.
That doesn’t mean He won’t be made known to us. Jesus “shows” himself to those who ask. Thomas stopped doubting when shown. Pray for those whose doubt is eternal no matter what. Pray for those who run away from Jesus and His miracles.
It’s not unexpected to have moments of doubt. Jesus often seems far away. We may at times question what we know about Him. Ask Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. He’s real and He’s there.
Let’s be like Thomas. Let’s not remember him for his doubt but for his righteous exclamation, “My Lord and My God.” Thomas got it totally right, eventually.
Be blessed.
Nick
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