They Walked With Him: Thomas

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29

Until that moment, Thomas had evidently always struggled with nagging doubts. He was full of questions, and his mind was, by nature, skeptical. Yet Jesus loved him, believed in him, and gave him irrefutable, visible, empirical proof of the Resurrection: “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (v. 27). Imagine the relief and joy that swelled into Thomas’s heart as he replied, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). Could there be any greater happiness?

Yes—ours! Jesus used this conversation with Thomas to issue His last beatitude before the Ascension: blessed—happy, joyful, and to be envied—are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

One day we’ll behold Him face-to-face, and our eyes will gaze upon the nail prints in His hands. But until then, we’re blessed for walking with Him by faith and not by sight. Of all people on earth, we are the most joyful. So shouldn’t we be smiling today?

Why should I charge my soul with care? The wealth of ev’ry mine belongs to Christ, God’s Son and Heir, and He’s a friend of mine!

JOHN H. SAMMIS