Poor Thomas. . . He gets such a bad rap, forever labeled as “doubting Thomas.” A few passages earlier, when Jesus appeared to the other disciples and breathed onto them His spirit, Thomas was not there. Where was he? In his grief at losing Jesus to crucifixion, he isolated himself from his friends. And as for that last line of this scene, in which Jesus seems to berate Thomas for believing only because of his physical encounter, well, that feels harsh.
Poor Thomas. . . He had had previous episodes of doubt. When Lazarus died, Thomas suggested to the other disciples that they all go and “die with him” (John 11:16). At the last supper, after Jesus told the disciples that they already knew the way to God, Thomas spoke up boldly and asked how could they follow when they did not know the way? (John 14:4-7)
Blessed Thomas . . . He had a Savior who ALWAYS answered his questions and ALWAYS restored his faith. Even as Thomas bitterly rejected his friends’ experience of resurrection, he had a Savior who did not disdain his need for a live-and-in-person confirmation. Jesus came any way and showed Thomas his hands, feet, and side. Jesus invited Thomas to touch Him in those places. But with unfettered joy, all Thomas could do was to proclaim, “My Lord and My God!”
You have this same Savior, this One who comes, who wants to show you His presence and His love every day. He wants to shatter your bitter, isolated places and restore your joy. Ask Him to show you, and He will appear.