But he said to them, “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.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
(Thomas by Michelangelo Caravaggio 1602)
Thoughts; Thomas may be known as doubting, but he has more faith than most in America today. He was willing to go to Jerusalem to die with Christ (Jn. 11:16). When Thomas did believe, he was willing to dive in wholeheartedly. So he was willing to die, and so he worshiped Christ falling at his feet proclaiming him Lord and God. He was a person, like many today, who wanted to see in order to believe. He noted this in John 14 when he asked Jesus to show him the way (his answer was that he was the way, the truth, and the life no one comes to the Father but by Him 14:5,6). Jesus rightly holds up those who believe without seeing. Thomas will go down forever as doubting, and many who arrogantly demand to be convinced by Almighty God, will be branded as doubting as well. But those who are willing to believe without seeing will be commended.
Prayer: Help me to stop doubting and believe, O Lord.
John Calvin Abridged: The unblief of Thomas is related so that the godly will be more confirmed in their faith. Thomas' wicked unbelief is common to most people. But another proof of the resurrection (an invitation to touch) was given because of his unbelief. Christ readily yields to the improper request of Thomas in order to show us he really desires us to have faith.
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