Getting to Know Jesus' Passion #23

We have spent this week looking at that first day of Jesus' resurrection appearances to His followers. In his Gospel, John now focuses in on more appearances to individual apostles and various groups of disciples: 

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

All of the other disciples had seen and heard Jesus do this the week before: the appearance, the announcement of peace, the invitation to examine the evidence. This was for Thomas who had not seen. Though he had proclaimed skepticism, he was ready and waiting to believe.  Even though we have not yet seen Jesus, John reminds us we do not need to; we have the evidence and testimony required to believe and trust in Him, so that when He comes we will be ready and waiting.