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.” John 20:26-27
Poor Doubting Thomas, we always remember his reluctance to believe that Christ had been raised. Do we remember his brave statement of faith earlier in the gospel when he said “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” ( John 11:16) Could the same be said of us? Are we vacillating in our belief, alternately faithful and failing?
Of course we are all like Thomas, we are imperfect because of sin, and our faith sometimes needs a boost. That’s what Jesus came to do, to teach us to be more confident of God’s love and forgiveness. It’s available to everyone who confesses and repents, and the Lord is ready to receive each one of us as His returning children.
Like Thomas, it is sometimes difficult for us to believe in the marvelous gift we have been given. Our human minds have trouble grasping a love so deep that He would be willing to give Himself for us. We can always trust the promise Jesus made, that if we “stop doubting and believe” we can be saved!
Gracious God, we are often weak and it is difficult for us to accept the wonder of Your love for us. Help us to be strong in the truth of Christ, believing the promise of the resurrection and eternal life with You. Amen.