John 20:25

New Living Translation

They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

For Encouragement

A dedicated disciple, Thomas was a keen but careful student of Jesus. His faith flourished. Though he did not 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 so they sent for Jesus. “Lord, the one you love is sick” (3). Jesus waited two more days before going to His friend at Bethany (6). His disciples protested. Not too long ago, the Jews had attempted His assassination, so why would He want to go back into the nest of the enemy? However, Thomas encouraged them,

Let us also go, that we may die with Him (16).

I see here a zealous disciple, willing to die with His Master, and that’s remarkable!

Again, imagine the scene in the Upper Room when Jesus comforted His confused disciples (Jn. 14:1-4). A hush ran over them, and sadness marked their faces. Why would the Master assume they knew enough to calm them down? Thomas would not assume understanding when it was not there. Unlike many of us, who will keep our hands down when we must seek clarification, our friend Thomas boldly said,

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

Because Thomas declared his ignorance and desire to know more, we have this bold declaration from Jesus that anchors our faith.

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, for that had become his passion and life.

How, then, does a faithful disciple like Thomas deal with the crushing blow of Calvary? When the Man he admired and trusted as powerful—the One who exercised 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 hope again?

All of us have peculiar ways of dealing with our disillusionments. Some declare war on God and cannot tolerate His name anymore. Others withdraw from fellowship to nurse their wounds in private for a while. Yet, others limp along, broken and wounded but pretending to be strong. Meanwhile, they do not know what to believe anymore. However, they put on the shine. Whatever it is with them, they 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).

His peculiarity had almost driven him to the far side of disbelief but for the grace of God. Oh, how we all need it!

So, 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!