There is no event so drastic, important and eternal as the resurrection. It’s the gospel, and it’s what our salvation rests upon. One could even argue that what you believe about the resurrection is the most important thing about you. But what if — like so many before you — it’s hard to believe in something that you’ve never seen with your own eyes?
In John 20, we witness the powerful aftermath of the resurrection for Jesus’ disciples. John and Peter are present when Mary bursts through their door, proclaiming that Jesus was risen. A few sentences further, Jesus appears to his followers, showing them that faith is sight — he was everything he had promised to be, even if they didn’t understand the promise at first. We’re reading of the triumphal return of Jesus, his disciples are rejoicing and then we’re hit with verse twenty-four, “Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.”
Where’s Thomas, and why did Jesus reveal himself to everyone besides him? It looks unfair. But looking at this story through the lens of God’s character and the compassion of Jesus — the same Jesus who had just endured the cross and conquered death for Thomas — it looks like love.
“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe.’” – John 20:25-28
Eight days. Jesus let Thomas sit in disbelief, surrounded by his friends who were probably really annoyed with him, huddled in a room fearing for their lives, all while believing that Jesus was dead and his friends delusional for eight days. And when Jesus does show up on the scene, he turns and makes it personal. Lovingly, knowingly personal. Then he said to Thomas.
The resurrection of Jesus is personal, and so is the way he leads us through our lives. From the moment we first believe to the moment we see him face-to-face, there will be ups and downs in us choosing to believe in his goodness and character, especially when our circumstances seek to sway us. Faith is not the warm sentiment on a Hobby Lobby sign but instead a stunning gift that shapes us, growing and deepening as we are transformed to look more and more like Jesus. And it’s Thomas’ story that invites us to look closer at the grace and patience of God even in our doubt.
There’s a reason Jesus allows you to sit where you are today — whether you’re waiting, worshiping or weeping. Doubt has its place because, in the midst of it, we’re often drawn into a deeper faith. If the tension and circumstances feel personal and challenging, it might be because they are. But even in that, they are part of a larger purpose and plan from the God who conquered death, rose from the grave and is now with you, forever. Faith will one day become sight; until then, hold on to Jesus and believe that he is everything he promises to be yesterday, today and forever.