John 20:24–29 (ESV)
Jesus and Thomas
24
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 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.”
26 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.” 27 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.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My
Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In a way, Doubting Thomas is my hero.
To know that there was someone that wasn’t going to let someone pull the wool over his eyes or let anything get by, we have Thomas! No tricks or deceptions would get passed him. He questions everything and doesn’t seem to even trust
his friends. He is a die-hard “show me” person. They told Thomas that they had seen the Lord. He didn’t believe them. He wasn’t falling for that. He knew Jesus was dead! Water and blood had poured
out of his body. Dead is dead! Thomas responds “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.”
How many people have you heard with that attitude towards Christianity. Think about Saul (Paul), who was on his way to persecute Christians. Think about people today. The Holy Spirit has the power to convict and convert people even
with harden hearts. For Thomas... it was Jesus himself that appeared and convinced Jesus. How were you convinced? You have not seen Jesus... it would have been through the power of the Holy Spirit. Well... Jesus next statement is give
to Thomas, but it is about you. Jesus said “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Well... you... are blessed! You confess to Jesus “My Lord and my God”
and you have not seen Jesus... but you believe!
I pray: O Lord, you have forgiven me, restored me, and given me eternal life! I believe without seeing you and my faith is strengthened by Thomas’s
doubts. My life has been changed by the Holy Spirit; my life has been justified and is being sanctified through the power of the Holy Spirit and the faith you have given me. You are my Lord and my God! Amen.