A Call to Believe

In John 20:19, after Jesus’ prophesied death and resurrection, we see that all of Jesus’ disciples have gathered, and Jesus went to see them. That is to say, almost all of them—Thomas wasn’t there. And when those who were present told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, Thomas did not believe it.

“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.”
John 20:25 NIV

A week later, when the disciples were gathered together again, 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 20:27 NIV)

Thomas immediately acknowledged that Jesus has, in fact, risen from the dead and is with them again. It’s here that Jesus says, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29 NIV).

Thomas believes, but Jesus is focused on even more than that. Jesus is addressing the rest of us, generations of believers to come who would believe without being able to see Him.

Jesus didn’t just die for us; He rose for us. And He didn’t deny Thomas what he asked for, but He also makes it clear that there is blessing for those who believe without seeing. The truth of His resurrection doesn’t rest on whether or not we’ve seen it. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). For us believers, what a gift to be among these who Jesus calls blessed!