John 20:24-29 NIV84
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not see and yet have believed."
Who was missing from the Twelve when Jesus came the first time? Did he believe them?
Jesus returned for the benefit of the "doubting Thomas." What did He invite Thomas to do? How did Thomas respond?
According to The College Press NIV Commentary, Jesus's words to Thomas could be more literally translated: "Thomas, do not be unfaithful, but be faithful." Jesus longs for us to believe --- be faith-full. In response to Jesus's invitation, Thomas gave one the clearest confessions regarding the identity of Christ in Scripture: My Lord and my God! Do you have doubts about Jesus's divinity? What doubts do you have regarding the Christian faith? Ask Him to increase your faith.
Lord Jesus, I want to be among the blessed who have not seen and yet believe. Increase my faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV84
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