Inspiring Example

of Thomas a/k/a Didymus.  He is mentioned 12 times in the Bible.  Five times in a listing of disciple names.  Once in the story of Lazarus.  Again, in John 14 when Jesus is explaining that He will be leaving them, going to prepare a place for them but Thomas didn't understand and says in verse 5:

[Jhn 14:5 KJV] 5 . . . Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Loves Jesus, wants to be with Jesus but doesn't fully understand Jesus.  We have much in common with Thomas.

We see Thomas again after the resurrection.  He missed the first appearance of Jesus to the disciples.  He didn't quite believe them when they said that Jesus appeared among them in a locked room.

[Jhn 20:25 KJV] 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

We get a glimpse into his personality.  The death of Jesus has affected him, has made him doubt that the way he has been following for the past three years was a short lived dream of being with the Messiah.  His grief and sadness has brought him low and he's lost his faith.  He wants proof.  He needs to see it for himself.  He won't dare to hope again unless it is true.

Jesus meets his needs.  Eight days later, Jesus appears to the disciples again:

[Jhn 20:27-29 KJV] 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.

Jesus offers to let Thomas do everything he said he needs to do to believe.  Then he challenges Thomas and the rest of us.  How many times have we wished to see flesh and blood Jesus?  So many.  

We need to believe without seeing to be blessed; no doubts.  This is the lesson from Thomas.