In the Beginning: The Book of John

(John 20:24-29 [HCSB])

24 But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord! ” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe! ”

26 After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you! ”

27 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.”

28 Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God! ”

29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed.5 Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”

To doubt and to believe

To fully believe we must overcome doubt and unbelief. To be challenged and to believe is a far stronger position than to believe and never to have been sufficiently challenged. While Thomas (and the others) had the benefit of seeing and believing we must live by faith having not physically seen our risen Lord. Jesus has a special message to those of us who believe and have not seen in verse 29:

Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”

It is indeed a special kind of blessing to take anything on faith, and faith alone, and thus be thoroughly committed come “hell or high water.” Jesus knew how difficult this would be for us in the flesh which is why He did not leave us without leaving the Holy Spirit behind, with us and within us, as teacher, counselor, admonisher and guide. In this way no challenge is met alone and without Christ Jesus!

One intriguing aspect of John’s recollection is the fact that Thomas was literally out of town for a period of at least a week, maybe more, before venturing back to Jerusalem. We do not know where he went, but we can be certain that he was in hiding. Reading closely the narrative suggests that all the Disciples were living in fear and under the radar. Thomas was not the only one with doubts; he was the only one who had the guts to say it to Jesus’ face. I like that about Thomas. You should, too.

Like Peter, once Thomas had a clear sense of direction he was just about impossible to derail even if it meant personal harm. The Disciples witnessed something that day, behind locked doors, which was very real and compelled them to risk their lives. Events like these are the best evidence to justify our belief that Jesus lived with us and that our faith is rational.

Jesus lived, He died, He lives!.