John 20:24-29

That first Sunday evening on the day of Jesus’ resurrection (we now call that day Easter) when Jesus appeared to several of the disciples, one of the apostles, Thomas, was not with the group.  When the others told Thomas what had happened, Thomas said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Thomas wanted to see what the others had seen.  They were witnesses of the nail prints in Jesus’ hands and feet.  They had seen the mark left when he was on the cross and the soldier pierced his side with a spear.  They knew for certain that Jesus was alive. Thomas wanted to know for certain also.

Eight days after Jesus had shown himself to the other disciples, Jesus came again into the room where they were.  Although the doors had been shut, he appeared in the room, again saying, “Peace be unto you.”

Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”

Thomas did so, and then said, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus said, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

What do you think?

• Why did Thomas want to see Jesus like the others did?
• Why did Jesus give Thomas what he wanted?
• When we cannot see things for ourselves, how can we still believe?
• Will Jesus help us when we want to believe?  How will he usually do this?

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