João 20

Thomas

24 Now one of the twelve, Thomas (called Twin), was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "If I do not see the nail prints in His hands and put my finger into the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe!"*Thomas is very emphatic. Jesus is dead and his hopes are too! (Presumably he had watched the crucifixion from a distance.)

26 Well after eight days*Their method of calculation included the day from which the count was made (as they do in Brazil as well), so this is the next Sunday. His disciples were inside again, and Thomas with them. The doors were locked [again]; Jesus came and stood in the middle, and said, "Peace to you!" 27 Then He says to Thomas: "Bring your finger here and perceive my hands; bring your hand and put it into my side;*Since Jesus had not been there to hear Thomas, how did He know what he had said? We know the answer, but it delivered a knockout punch to Thomas. Evidently he did not try to touch Jesus, but without further ado said, "My Lord and my God!" do not be unbelieving but believing!" 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus says to him: "Because you have observed me, you have believed. Blessed are those who believe without seeing!"*This blessing includes us.