I got questions

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  –John 20:24-25a (NIV)
 
What if you were remembered forever for a single unflattering event in your life? And what if that event had been overblown and did not even reflect the intent of your heart in that moment? Meet Thomas, or as you may know him, “Doubting Thomas”. Did he doubt? Yes. Did he have a general reputation for skepticism? Not that we know of. Was he one to ask questions and seek clarification? Indeed, he was.
 
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.”  –John 20:25b (NIV)
 
Perhaps the man who refused to believe in a risen Messiah until he saw and touched the wounds of Jesus was cautious because his own wounds were still too fresh. He had seen the teacher, friend, and Master he had re-arranged his life for be executed. And his evidence for seeing a different reality was the testimony of a group of disciples who had been as emotionally wrecked as he was. What had they actually seen? Were they all just grasping at straws?
 
Before re-investing in the cause, he had to convince himself. Thomas had once been “all in”. He was the one committed to going back to Judea with Jesus after the death of Lazarus, even if it meant his own death. He was the one who elicited Jesus’ iconic statement of identity by asking for specifics on how to follow Jesus to a place they’d never been. And once he had the evidence he sought regarding the resurrection, his response was unambiguous.
 
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
 
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” –John 20:26-28 (NIV)
 
All this raises the question of questioning: Is it OK to have doubts? To that I would reply that an unquestioned faith is probably lacking in depth. For those who truly seek God, He has a long track record of welcoming the doubts. Multiple examples in Scripture show there’s always a gap that leaves room for a faith response, but it always follows evidence that brings one to the point of committing to that step – if they’re willing. For Thomas, there was no rebuke, just the invitation to see for himself.
 
If you find yourself wanting to believe, but just not sure if you can, you’re in good company. The answers are there for all who possess the curiosity, courage, and integrity to seek them. Early church tradition says that Thomas went on to establish the church on the sub-continent of India and that he died a martyr’s death at the end of a spear, doing what he loved: introducing souls to his Savior. To the extent that is accurate, we can surmise that whatever doubts Thomas might’ve had, they were satisfied.
 
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  –John 20:29 (NIV)