The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: John 20:24-29

“Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
John 20:25

Thomas

Thomas is more or less an obscure Apostle. Because his name is generally linked with that of Matthew, some of the Church Fathers were of the opinion that he, too, was a publican. His name suggests he was a twin. Thomas was genuine in his courage. When at one time the disciples cautioned Jesus against going into Judea again, to Bethany where Lazarus was sick, Thomas said to his fellow disciples, “let us also go, that we may die with Him” [John 11:16].
He was a practical guy. “You know the way to where I am going”, Jesus said. Thomas answered Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way.” [John 14:4-5]. His thoughts could not readily rise above the concept of a kingdom of power.
He was honest in his doubts. The disciples told him for the “nth” time that Jesus was seen by many on that bright Sunday after that dark Friday. But Thomas said; “unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails … I will never believe.”
Gently, Jesus dealt with this honest brother and doubter. Jesus always deals understandingly and kindly with those who have honest inquiries, who have real doubts and wish to be shown. Jesus permitted Thomas to examine the stigmata and then spoke to him: “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” [vs. 29].

June 30, 1945