Thomas, often referred to as the Twin, was one of Jesus’
twelve disciples. He was by reputation a “show-me” kind of guy. When the others
would go with whatever Jesus said, Thomas must have been one who would hold
back for want of more details, more facts. It wasn’t that he didn’t love and
respect Jesus, he certainly did. At that time when Jesus learned of Lazarus’
sickness Jesus wanted to return to Judea to be
with Lazarus. Thomas suggested they all go. He was ready even to join Jesus in
dying if necessary. The disciples had warned Jesus of the threat of the Jews
wanting to stone Him back in Judea, still Thomas suggested, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him”
(John 11:16). Later, after the crucifixion and the resurrection Jesus appeared
to the disciples behind closed doors. Thomas was not there at the time, so the disciples told him later about how
they had seen Jesus alive! Thomas wasn’t accepting any of what they were
saying. He vehemently said to them; “Unless
I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of
the nails, and put my fingers into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
Eight days later, Thomas this time was with the other disciples, again with the doors shut Jesus came
into their midst saying, “Peace to you!” He
turned and said to Thomas; “Reach your
finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into my
side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27). Thomas did as
Jesus asked and he immediately believed.
Jesus acknowledged Thomas’ belief of seeing with Him with his
own eyes, and then Jesus continued by also declaring, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed” (John
20:29).
I will to
believe in the resurrected Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Will you?