On the evening of Resurrection Day, Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to the group. Later on, after hearing the others testify, “We have seen the Lord;” Thomas sharply questioned whether Jesus could be raised from death. He was vehement, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe” (John 20:25, ESV).

 

For this, Thomas is often tagged as “doubting Thomas.” Yet, before becoming too critical of him, first consider how he must’ve felt after hearing the others’ testimony. First, Thomas hadn’t experienced the presence of the risen Jesus for himself. And he needed proof! For him, “seeing is believing.”

 

Most of us can relate. We long to have a personal encounter with Jesus for ourselves. For, it’s one thing to read about Jesus’ works or listen to others testify to what Jesus is doing in their life. But, oh, it’s so much better to experience the presence and reality of Jesus for ourselves.

 

On the other hand, it can be discouraging if Jesus seems aloof to us. I can imagine it was for Thomas too.

 

Thomas probably wasn’t solely questioning Jesus’ resurrection. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, and likely questioned why Jesus hadn’t appeared to him. His doubts, together with discouragement, could easily have led him to question his very importance to Jesus.

 

Might you, in his place, have questioned why He hadn’t appeared to you? Could that even shake your confidence in how much Jesus cares for you?

 

Under the smothering pressure of grief or fear, have you had times when you’ve questioned the reality of Jesus’ presence? Asking yourself whether Jesus is actually listening to you; wondering if He even cares about the depth of pain, grief, or confusion you’re going through?

 

In the flesh, we are prone to these types of doubts, rather we are a newborn in Christ or have walked with Jesus for years and have numerous testimonies of what we’ve seen Jesus do. For, even the experience of past miracles can seem disconnected with what we are going through during dark times. That’s the reality of what Thomas was struggling with.

 

To Thomas’ credit, even while he had doubts and confusion, he determinedly stayed alongside the other disciples. He didn’t withdraw into isolation. Rather, he kept striving onward in persistence until his doubts would be answered.

 

Thomas’ questioning had purpose—to encounter the resurrected Jesus for himself. He needed answers to his uncertainty. Therefore, Thomas was determined to stay at it until his questions were answered. Then:

 

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26–28, ESV)

 

For eight days, Thomas persisted in seeking answers. And that persistence allowed him to experience the Lord’s presence when Jesus next appeared!

 

Jesus suddenly stood among them and spoke, “Peace be with you.” Then, looking directly at Thomas, told him, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

 

No one needed to tell Jesus what Thomas had said. For, Jesus fully knew Thomas’ words and the depth of Thomas’ doubts. And Jesus answered Thomas’ doubts in the perfect way and at the perfect time.

 

Jesus didn’t scold Thomas. Rather, Jesus comforted Thomas doubts by speaking peace, and giving him assurance.

 

Even though Thomas didn’t realize it, Jesus had always been there with him. As He is with us today! “For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb.13:5).

 

In this life, there will be times of confusion and questions. In those times, we can take a lesson from Thomas. Don’t allow yourself to become stagnant while in doubt. Rather, when you experience doubt, persist until you know and experience truth. Seek Jesus’ presence and trust His promises. For we hold His promise, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 13:29).