✋ Thomas and the Scars

When Jesus appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas said he would not believe unless he saw the nail marks and touched Jesus’ side. People sometimes call him Doubting Thomas, as if questions were a failure. He was a friend who did not want a rumor. He wanted the real Jesus.

A week later the disciples were together again, doors locked, and Thomas was there. Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you.” Then he turned to Thomas. “Put your finger here. See my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas answered, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That blessing reaches across years to kids who trust the witnesses and the Scriptures.

Questions can be brought to Jesus. He is gentle with honest doubt and clear about who he is. You have not put your hand on his scars, and you are still invited to say, “My Lord and my God.”