Listen

Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

John 20:24-25

Think

Although John refers to Thomas as “the one called Didymus,” he has forever been labeled as “Thomas the Doubter.”

We are not told where Thomas was the day Jesus appeared to the disciples. I like to think of him out in the streets, heart in his throat, looking here, there, and everywhere for Jesus. Hopeful Thomas, then, instead of Doubting Thomas.

Regardless of the reason he missed out on Jesus’ surprising visit, of course he was upset about it! All he asked for is what everyone else in the group got: a chance to see the risen Jesus.

It’s hard to be on the outside looking in, as Thomas was. I wonder what the other disciples said to try to convince Thomas during those long days between Jesus’ appearances. Perhaps that was good practice for them. After all, proclaiming the risen Christ to people who had not seen him was precisely what Jesus sent them to do.

Jennifer Christenson

Question to Ponder:

How can you bring your faith story to life for those who haven’t had the same faith experiences as you?

Pray

God, I thank you for the ways you have shown up in my life. Give me the words and the creativity to tell the stories of your faithfulness to others. Help me to bring those who are on the outside to a place of hope and belief. Amen.

Go

This IS the day that the Lord has made. Listen for the ways God’s creation offers up its praise. Then add your voice to the song, giving praise for all God has done.