After

Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.” Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”—John 20:27-29

Several times after the resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples. Each encounter brought them a deeper love for Him. We are told not all the disciples were present the first time Jesus appeared to them. Thomas was absent. When he rejoined the group, he could see and hear the joy and hope, but he had doubts. 

When your heart has been shattered, it is hard to have hope even when others around you say “It will be alright.” Even when you want to walk in faith, it is hard.

Thomas's response to his friends is simple; “I need to see it for myself.” Eight days later, Jesus appears to them again, and this time He looks right at Thomas and invites him to come close and touch his wounds. 

Last week I asked the question, “What does the resurrection mean to you?" Until Thomas saw, and was invited to touch, Jesus’ wounds for himself, the resurrection meant nothing.

I don’t blame Thomas for his response. In fact, I think we should all be with him. Our faith must be rooted in a personal, unshakable experience with the risen Savior for ourselves. Not merely an emotional waterfall or theological path but a moment where we are engulfed with spirit and truth, which is only God given. 

This week my prayer for each of us is that we have an encounter with the risen savior. An encounter that redefines us as sons, daughters, husbands, wives ... Christians. 

–Pastor Jackie James