Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Comment: There are three paragraphs above. Because of the first Thomas is often known as ‘Doubting Thomas’. It is often said in a derogatory way but I can see that he was very wise to have his questions and his doubts. No doubt like the other disciples had hoped that Jesus was the Messiah. Most Jews expected the Messiah to be Victorious, a Liberator of their nation. He had seen Jesus die and no doubt had heard of every thing that had happened to Jesus and in his mind he had left Jesus dead and buried. Rising from the dead was unseen almost. Perhaps he should have remembered Lazarus and he had probably heard about the little girl whom Jesus brought back to life and what about the widow’s son? But Jesus had done that and he knew that He was dead! This lead to him saying “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” The second paragraph deals with an experience that we all need to have! That is a meeting with Jesus. Jesus can be very challenging. Jesus uncovered His wounds and straight out said “I challenge you, Thomas, to do as you wish! Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” We can’t do that but we can read the history, talk to other people who have by faith met Jesus and walked His way, we can wrestle with the facts. Thomas bowed his knee and calling Jesus both his Lord and his God. The last words in this second paragraph are spoken by Jesus “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The third paragraph tells why John has written the book. Remember that he was an eye witness of these events! He can be trusted in what he reports!
Prayer: I believe. When the devil comes tempting me to doubt help me to send him on his way. Please help me to stay strong in my belief!
As I read it! 