John 20:24-31 (NRSV)
Read John 20:24-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. Verse 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
Verse 26A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Verse 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Verse 28Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Verse 29Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." Verse 30Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. Verse 31But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Devotion
The news of Jesus’ resurrection shook Thomas to the core. His response? A realistic, "Without touching and seeing for myself, I will not believe."
Jesus’ response - "Do not doubt, but believe" - seems easy to obey, like a well-meaning friend advising one who is struggling with their faith, "All you have to do is believe.” Wouldn’t life be grand if effort could exorcise the unbelieving spirit within?
Yet, there is hope for those who at times are in doubt. Through the witness of God’s Word, the Spirit continually calls us to read, listen, hear and, ultimately, believe. And, we have a wonderful advantage in this endeavor – a great cloud of witnesses prepares us for our daily encounter with Christ. Left on our own, Jesus’ command could cut like the Law, but supported as we are, it is an invitation to let go of doubt and receive God’s grace.
Prayer
Ever-patient and always-loving Lord, we give you thanks that you understand our fears, know our weaknesses and love us still the same. Remove from our hearts the ties that bind us to doubt, and fill us instead with your Spirit who calls us to faith. Amen.