But he (Thomas) said to them, “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 20:24 ESV)

Unfortunately, Thomas bold statement “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.” marked Thomas as “Doubting Thomas.” Let’s bring in some important facts about Thomas. Scripture tells us none of the disciples believed Mary Magdalene who reported her witnessing Jesus’ resurrection (Mark 16:11). The other 11 disciples were afraid and hiding in the upper room (v. 19) when Jesus did appear, thus the same 11 disciples were able to “see to believe.” Thomas was not in the upper room when the other disciples seen Jesus(v. 24).

We can see that even the disciples were doubtful and afraid. In Luke 24, Jesus comes to them and instructs them to touch him, as proof he is not a spirit. The evidence or proof of Jesus miraculous return from the dead is found in him explaining scripture (Luke 24:27), eating and drinking with disciples (John 21:14; Luke 24:42), miraculous catch of fish (John 21:6)Everyone struggles with unbelief and experiences doubt. Instead of giving Thomas a bad rap, we can see the lengths Christ will go to help someone’s unbelief.

Do you know of someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, or the work on the cross for redemption? Or maybe a fellow Christian who is experiencing a season of doubt? Jesus continues to reveal himself to the world today through the testimony of the disciples.

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (20:30-31).

Jesus also reveals himself through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let’s respond to the reality of the resurrection as Thomas did, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).