There was the day that Thomas was not with the group of disciples. Jesus suddenly stood in their midst even though the door was shut. He just appeared. Not wanting them to be fearful, Jesus shows them His hands and His side so they would be assured it was Him.

When told of their experience, Thomas doubted and on that day forever earned the nickname, Doubting Thomas.

Thomas states, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hands into the wound in his side” (John 20:25, NLT).

It was eight days later when again they were all inside, including Thomas this time. Jesus came just like the first time, appearing among them. Only this time, He speaks to Thomas. Just Thomas.

“Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side” (verse 27a).

Jesus invites Thomas to touch and to feel. The next words Jesus spoke to Thomas grabbed my attention:

“Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (verse 27b).

Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for doubting. Rather, in response to Thomas’ doubt, Jesus showed him more of Himself. Jesus showed Thomas exactly what Thomas need in order to believe. Jesus did that which was necessary to grow Thomas in faith, overcoming his doubt.

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed (verse 28).

God is not offended when we ask questions. It is often as we question, we are in pursuit of truth. Faith is often grown when we seek answers.

“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (verse 29)

We have not, with our physical eyes, seen Jesus. Over the course of our days, He provides us with enough of Him, and His activity,  to believe in Him.

This is me. And this is you.
We believe without physically seeing.
And we are blessed.

“I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)