Joel M Bradshaw

24Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.”

26Eight 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.” 27Then 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.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”–John 20

1. Thomas had a need for control.
2. In order to have a faith response, Thomas need to control all variables and set the terms. It was like a science experiment.
3. And if those terms were not meant, he would never believe.
4. Jesus showed grace to Thomas and played by his rules.
5. Do you ever put pre-conditions upon your faith in Jesus or set unique rules that Jesus has to follow before you trust Him? These usually take the form of “if only.”
6. Jesus blessed those who trust without having to have all those conditions first.
7. Thomas needed to see before faith and Jesus blessed those who had faith without needing first to see. Which describes you?–JMB