“So the other disciples told [Thomas], ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it’” (John 20:25 NIV).

Have you put any conditions on your faith? Have you said, "Lord, if You heal my dear loved one, then I'll surely believe and never doubt?" Whatever miracle you may have thought would seal the deal, consider what Jesus did for Thomas. Jesus answered Thomas' challenge. Jesus didn't have to do it. He doesn't always agree to our demands. He does not approve of our unbelief. But, this time, for Thomas, for us, Jesus came out of love, appeared to Thomas, and said, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27). Wow! Even though Jesus was not visibly present when Thomas voiced His challenge to the other disciples, Jesus heard! Jesus knew. And remember what Jesus had prayed at Gethsemane, when He said to God the Father that He had lost none of His followers except Judas. That's why He made a point to restore Peter after Peter had denied Him. That's why He came to Thomas, so that Thomas might believe. May the Lord help each of us to stop doubting and believe.

--submitted by the Rev. Ken Johnson, Pastor of Zion and Our Savior’s Lutheran Churches, Avon and Springfield