Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling Him, “We’ve 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 in His side, I will not believe.” A week later, His disciples were in the house again, and 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.” Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen Me and will believe.”
– John 20:24-29
Devotion
The disciple was not present at the first appearance of Jesus on the Sunday evening of resurrection day. He did not believe the report of the others (just as the others did not, believe the report of the women). Jesus graciously gives Thomas the evidence he needed to believe. John includes Jesus’ comment after this encounter with Thomas, probably because he knew that future readers of his gospel would have to place their faith in Jesus, the risen Lord, without a personal appearance by the Lord to them.
The Big Question
What stands out about Jesus’ interaction with Thomas? Can you relate to Thomas? Why? Why not? Thomas needed physical evidence of the resurrection. Jesus said, “blessed are those who have not seen Me and will believe.” From this passage of scripture, how would you define faith? Is faith more that just wishful thinking or is there substance behind the hope that is ours in a resurrected Savior? What is the basis for your faith?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.