“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.”

John 20:25

He was a dedicated and faithful disciple – a man of integrity and conviction. From the day Christ chose him as one of His twelve apostles, Thomas had been keen, but a careful student of his Rabbi and Master. His faith grew steadily, and though he did not get it completely, he revealed his allegiance when it mattered.

People express their hurts in different ways. When the messengers came from Mary and Martha with the news of Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus waited two days before initiating his trip to His friend’s ((Jn. 11:1-6). His disciples protested. The Jews had attempted to kill Jesus earlier, so why go back into the nest of the enemy? When they persisted in their disapproval, Thomas said to them, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (16). He showed dedication and zeal – a disciple who was willing to die with His Master. Remarkable!

 The next scene was the Upper Room when Jesus comforted His disciples with a glimpse of their future eternal dwelling with Him in heaven (Jn. 14:1-4). A hush fell on their sad faces when He told them He was going to leave them soon. But Thomas would not be silent when he did not get it. 

“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way (5)? 

His expressed desire to know more has blessed all of us with this monumental statement from Jesus.

“I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (6). 

Now, that is the mark of discipleship – the longing of a student for instruction and knowledge for his life. That had become Thomas’ passion with the Master. So how does a faithful Thomas deal with the crushing blow of Calvary? When the man who had demonstrated authority over demons, nature, sicknesses, and even raised the dead had died helpless on the wooden cross, how could Thomas believe again? How could he continue to hope? 

 All of us have peculiar ways of dealing with our disappointments. Some declare war with God and cannot tolerate His name anymore. Others withdraw from fellowship to nurse their wounds. Yet, others limp along, broken and wounded, but pretending to be alright. They do not know what to believe anymore. Still, they put on the shine. Whatever it is with us, we are hurting and need healing.

Thank God for Jesus Christ! He mercifully gave Thomas the evidence he needed to believe again (26-28). With joy, Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!” (28). His skepticism had almost driven him to the far side of disbelief, but for the grace of God.

And don’t we all need it?