This story of Thomas shows us how different people are, and this should make us careful not to condemn others or grow impatient of others who do not see things as we do, and of those who seem to us to be weak and failing in some direction in their lives. Thomas seemed to be the sort of person who looked on the dark side of life, was pessimistic and ready to see the difficulties rather than a more positive side of things. If we do not suffer in this way, we should be ready to be understanding of such people, because they are not able to help what they are.

This story also is a marvellous assurance of the truth of the apostolic witness to the resurrection. Far from being people who were credulous, and ready to believe because they wanted to believe, we find they started off with no idea that Jesus would rise, and had to be convinced. Here was Thomas asking for the sort of proof of the resurrection of Jesus that sceptics all down the ages have asked for. Thomas wanted evidence that could be verified by physical means. The fact that he was convinced and so powerfully, shows that Jesus most truly did rise from the dead, and we need have no fear in firmly believing that he did.

How graciously Jesus dealt with Thomas, and this is an example of the gracious and loving way he deals with all Christians who have difficulties in faith and in other areas of the Christian life. Jesus waited a week, and then came to visit the disciples again, and specially to visit Thomas. Jesus shows that he is God here by knowing all about Thomas’ lack of faith, even though he was not actually present at the time when Thomas expressed his unbelief and that he needed to be convinced. The graciousness of Jesus is further seen in the fact that Jesus came to give Thomas exactly the evidence that he had asked for. Jesus spoke directly to Thomas and said see my wounds, be free to touch them and assure yourself that I am really alive, and well. There was a gentle rebuke in the end of his words when he says “Stop doubting and believe’ because Thomas had to know that such unbelief was wrong, but still it was given in such a loving way. Such is the way Jesus deals with us in our weakness and failures. He is a merciful and loving Saviour.

Faith came deeply to Thomas when it did come. He does not seem to have touched Jesus, but on seeing Jesus and the wounds, faith came powerfully to him. What is remarkable is the deductions which faith brought to him. He cries “My Lord and my God”. He realises that the resurrection proves Jesus to be the Son of God and truly God. He makes the deduction that such a God requires and deserves obedience and devotion, so he calls him Lord. And also he speaks of Jesus as MY Lord and MY God. His faith gave total faith and commitment to Jesus, and owned him as his God and Lord.

In passing it is worth noticing that faith that does not see Jesus as Lord, and obey him as Lord, is not really Christian faith or saving faith. True saving faith crowns Jesus as Lord, which is what he is, and gives him complete obedience and worship, which is his due,

Jesus ends this meeting with Thomas with a further gentle rebuke together with a commendation. Thomas had believed because he had seen the evidence he had demanded, but those who believe without the evidence, but just on the testimony of others, are truly blessed people, and praised by Jesus. This is such an encouragement for us who believe today. We can’t see Jesus as Thomas did in his physical presence. Jesus is now reigning on the right hand of the Father in heaven. Our faith has to be on the testimony of the witness given us in the Bible.

There is one last thought which is not directly from this passage, but arises out of it. Thomas was left a whole week sorrowing still when all the other disciples were rejoicing. He was in this state because he did not believe their testimony, but he could have seen what they had seen, and seen Jesus alive, if only he had been with the company the previous Sunday. Why was he not there? We are not told, and he may have had a very good reason, but it does show us the importance of not absenting ourselves from Sunday worship every Sunday. Just on that Sunday when we decide we are not going, God may give a blessing. Just because we were not there, it would mean that we missed this blessing. There may be no real reason why any Christian should not go to church every Sunday, but one very good reason we have for not absenting ourselves is shown here. Just on that day we decided to stay away, there may be some wonderful blessing given by God, and we will have missed it, just as Thomas did.