“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

Thomas was a resolute disciple—a man of integrity and conviction. From the day Jesus chose him as one of the twelve apostles, he has become a devoted but careful student of his Master. His faith grew steadily and, though he didn’t get it completely, he revealed his allegiance when it mattered.

Consider the day the messengers came from Mary and Martha (Jn. 11:1-3). Their brother, Lazarus, was sick, and they needed Jesus. His disciples protested. Not too long ago, the Jews had attempted to kill Jesus. So, why would He want to go back into the nest of the enemy? When they persisted in their resistance, Thomas encouraged them to go with Him and die too (16). I see here a dedicated disciple, willing to die with His Master.

Again, I can imagine a scene during the Upper Room discourses, when Jesus comforted His disciples with a glimpse of their eternal habitation with Him (Jn. 14:1-4). A hush ran over them, and sadness marked their faces. But out came the voice of Thomas, who wouldn’t assume anything without being clear about it. . Unlike many of us who will not seek clarification, our friend Thomas boldly said they didn’t know where He was going, let alone know the way (5). 

Because He declared his ignorance and a desire to know more, we are all blessed with one of, if not the most, important statements of 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 a man who did not want to miss anything the Master said. That had become his passion and life.

Now, how does a faithful disciple like Thomas deal with the crushing blow of Calvary? How could he believe or hope again? 

All of us have peculiar ways of dealing with our disillusionments. Some declare war with God and can’t tolerate His name anymore. Others withdraw from fellowship to nurse their wounds in private for a while. Yet, some limp along, broken and wounded, but pretending to be strong. Meanwhile, they don’t 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 Christ Jesus! He mercifully gave Thomas the evidence he needed to believe again (26-28). With joy, Thomas declared, My Lord and my God! (28). 

Saved by grace!

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever. Amen!