Read: John 20:26-29

As we have just celebrated Easter, it seemed fitting to end this Weekly Word series with a recounting of one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.

At this point Jesus had already appeared to most of the disciples (see verses 19-25 of the same chapter) but Thomas had yet to see Him. Even though his fellow disciples told him they had seen the Lord, Thomas replied, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (v. 25)

I like that Jesus directly addresses Thomas’ concern when He re-appears, offering the exact proof that Thomas said he needed. Jesus shows up, inside a room with locked doors no less, and shows Himself to Thomas, scars and all.

“…do not be unbelieving, but believing”, Jesus says (v.27) and Thomas replies, “My Lord, and my God.” (v.28).

Yesterday we celebrated the empty tomb, the resurrected Christ. We do not see Jesus in the way the disciples saw their risen Lord, but still He offers proof of Himself to each of us in the way we need.

I see Him in the pink hues of a sunset (Psalm 19:1) and I read His truth in the Word He has given. I have felt His strength and comfort in my darkest moments just as I have felt His joy in my greatest days.

I don’t walk alongside Jesus physically as the disciples did, but still He walks with me every day. His spirit lives inside of me (1 Corinthians 3:16) and I am never alone.

Reflect: Jesus calls each of us with the same words of “follow me” as He called those men almost 2,000 years ago. He offers the same peace and proof that He gave His disciples when He appeared among them in His resurrected body.

May we obey His call knowing that, “…Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” (John 20:29)