John 20:24-29
Up to this point Jesus had appeared to many of the disciples but Thomas had not yet seen the resurrected Christ. “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.”
Thomas was one of the twelve disciples, a man who walked side by side with Jesus daily for years, a man who broke bread with the Son of God, a man who saw many miracles and wonders before his eyes. This is the man doubting Christ’s return.
Did Jesus rebuke Thomas for his doubt? Did He burn with anger at the unbelief and take away his salvation? No, far from it! Jesus offered himself to Thomas saying “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” How comforting it is to see Christ showing such mercy and grace to Thomas for his doubts!
Christ said “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” How blessed are we as those who have not seen yet have believed; and how much more comforting to know that during times of doubt Chris does not turn His head and fold His arms at us, but instead lovingly offers himself to us just as He did Thomas.
We all will face times of doubt. We all will have trials to come that will make it easy to forget the miracles we have seen God work in front of our eyes; that will make it easy to forget the One who has been beside us each and every day. May we turn towards Christ during these times, digging deeper into His word and into prayer.
Father, thank you for this sweet story tucked into scripture. Thank you for showing us such a beautiful example of Your mercy and grace and love for us. When doubt creeps in, may You hold onto us even stronger, reminding us of Your presence and the grace we have through Christ Jesus. Lord we believe, help us in our times of unbelief. Amen.
JLM in Euroclydon 