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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 …  Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:25, 29).

It’s Easter! Perhaps that raises questions for some of us. I grew up in Missouri, the “Show Me” state. There are many supposed stories behind the commonly used slogan, but however the saying originated it’s now used to indicate the stalwart, conservative, skeptical character of Missourians. Having lived there 27 years I can attest to the aforementioned character traits of Missourians. Perhaps Thomas the apostle is a distant ancestor of Missouri natives? :)

History will forever remember him as “Doubting Thomas,” but was his skepticism uncalled for? Despite Jesus repeatedly laying out his plans to his disciples, the resurrection went against everything they had known and been taught about the Messiah their entire lives. They had firsthand experience that Jesus was not like anyone who had ever lived...but he died like everyone else.

Jesus appeared to the disciples once when Thomas wasn’t there (v19-23). Can you imagine walking into a group of buddies and they tell you they’d just seen someone you had all watched die a few days prior...alive? It might be my Missouri roots showing, but Thomas’ response wasn’t, in my opinion, unreasonable. “Guys, quit messing with me. I’ll believe it when I see it!”

I don’t blame Thomas for being doubtful, and neither did Jesus. He met Thomas where he was and graciously offered the evidence he required to believe. 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.” 

In doing that, Jesus made it clear we can come to him with our doubts too. We are among the ones he mentions in verse 29: blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Two thousand years ago something amazing happened, but what are the implications for Thomas, and for us? The evidence Jesus provided didn’t merely change Thomas’ mind--it changed his entire life--remaking Thomas as a living witness to Jesus. Surely we can trust that kind of testimony, and we can trust Jesus. He can handle our doubts and uncertainties, and with His proof, we also can become living witnesses of His love. 

Are you comfortable coming to God with your uncertainties? Bring them to Him now and ask for clarity.

Thomas stayed with his community when he encountered doubts. How has your community bolstered your faith in this Covid season? Thank God for that now.

Take a minute to pray about a specific way that you can re-engage with our church community as we emerge from Covid-land.

Friends, this has been the final "episode" of the audio option for these Connect Devotionals.  Next week we’ll return to our five day/week, print-only format.  Please do us a quick favor: hit the COMMENT button at the bottom of this page and let us know what you think about these CDs on the Go! What’s been good or helpful?  What would you like to see more of, or less of?  Your responses will help us “up our game!”