John 20:26-29
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29
It took some time before Thomas’s doubts were resolved. Eight days later, Thomas was with the disciples when they were again in the house. Once again, Jesus appeared and entered their locked space, perhaps because the disciples were still afraid of the “Jews.” He greeted them: “Peace be with you.” Just as before.
This is the third time Jesus greeted them this way (vv. 19, 21, 26). Some say it’s just a standard Hebrew greeting, the equivalent of “hello.” But why does John repeat it three times in seven verses? Likely, Jesus was reminding them of His earlier promise: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you… Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (14:27). His presence turned their fear into peace.
Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side.” No one had to tell Jesus what Thomas had said—He already knew. He invited Thomas not just to touch him, but to believe (v.27b). Jesus offered more than proof; He offered Himself. The same Jesus who overcame death still bore the marks of the cross. His wounds weren’t hidden—they were love made visible.
Thomas’s story shows that doubt isn’t the end of faith—it can lead to a deeper, more personal encounter with Christ. Thomas sat with questions for eight days while others celebrated Christ’s resurrection. But Jesus didn’t shame him. He came to him, invited him, and met him where he was.
Did Thomas touch Jesus, as he said he would? John doesn’t say. But it seems he didn’t need to. Seeing Jesus was enough (v. 28). That encounter moved Thomas from doubt to the highest confession in the Gospel: “My Lord and my God!” These are not just theological words—they’re deeply personal. Thomas recognised Jesus not only as Lord and God, but as his Lord and his God.
Jesus’ words in v.29 here are for all of us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are included in that blessing. Faith in the risen Lord doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means trusting the witness of those who saw Him, and receiving the Spirit’s testimony in our hearts.
Reflection:
Where in your life do you long to hear Jesus speak peace over you again? Pause and invite Him into that locked room of your heart. Jesus meets us in our doubts, not with shame but compassion. Are there wounds or questions you carry that you think disqualify you from deeper faith? What if those are the very places where He wants to meet you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for meeting us in our doubts and fears with your peace, not shame. Like Thomas, we long not just for answers, but for Your presence. Forgive us when we struggle to believe. Help us lean into trust, not just evidence. Today, we echo Thomas: “My Lord and my God!” Be the centre of our lives, our peace in uncertainty, and our strength in weakness. Thank you for blessing those who believe without seeing. Strengthen our faith by Your Spirit. Help us live with hearts anchored in Your resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
It took some time before Thomas’s doubts were resolved. Eight days later, Thomas was with the disciples when they were again in the house. Once again, Jesus appeared and entered their locked space, perhaps because the disciples were still afraid of the “Jews.” He greeted them: “Peace be with you.” Just as before.
This is the third time Jesus greeted them this way (vv. 19, 21, 26). Some say it’s just a standard Hebrew greeting, the equivalent of “hello.” But why does John repeat it three times in seven verses? Likely, Jesus was reminding them of His earlier promise: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you… Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful” (14:27). His presence turned their fear into peace.
Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side.” No one had to tell Jesus what Thomas had said—He already knew. He invited Thomas not just to touch him, but to believe (v.27b). Jesus offered more than proof; He offered Himself. The same Jesus who overcame death still bore the marks of the cross. His wounds weren’t hidden—they were love made visible.
Thomas’s story shows that doubt isn’t the end of faith—it can lead to a deeper, more personal encounter with Christ. Thomas sat with questions for eight days while others celebrated Christ’s resurrection. But Jesus didn’t shame him. He came to him, invited him, and met him where he was.
Did Thomas touch Jesus, as he said he would? John doesn’t say. But it seems he didn’t need to. Seeing Jesus was enough (v. 28). That encounter moved Thomas from doubt to the highest confession in the Gospel: “My Lord and my God!” These are not just theological words—they’re deeply personal. Thomas recognised Jesus not only as Lord and God, but as his Lord and his God.
Jesus’ words in v.29 here are for all of us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We are included in that blessing. Faith in the risen Lord doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means trusting the witness of those who saw Him, and receiving the Spirit’s testimony in our hearts.
Reflection:
Where in your life do you long to hear Jesus speak peace over you again? Pause and invite Him into that locked room of your heart. Jesus meets us in our doubts, not with shame but compassion. Are there wounds or questions you carry that you think disqualify you from deeper faith? What if those are the very places where He wants to meet you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for meeting us in our doubts and fears with your peace, not shame. Like Thomas, we long not just for answers, but for Your presence. Forgive us when we struggle to believe. Help us lean into trust, not just evidence. Today, we echo Thomas: “My Lord and my God!” Be the centre of our lives, our peace in uncertainty, and our strength in weakness. Thank you for blessing those who believe without seeing. Strengthen our faith by Your Spirit. Help us live with hearts anchored in Your resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.