DAY 16

The Disciples See the Resurrected Christ

The tomb was empty. After days of trauma and grief, the disciples hid in fear while Mary wept. Yet, Jesus began revealing Himself.

Word spread quickly, reaching Thomas. He has often been called Doubting Thomas, but perhaps his response came from deep sorrow and disillusionment. While his friends joyfully declared, “We’ve seen the Lord!” (John 20:25), Thomas refused to believe. He insisted, “Unless I see the nail wounds and touch them, I will never believe” (v.25).

A week later, Jesus appeared and met Thomas exactly where he was. He repeated Thomas’ own words: “Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Reach out your hand, and put it into My side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” (v.27). Jesus had heard Thomas’ doubts, and yet, He still showed up. Overwhelmed, Thomas could only respond, “My Lord and my God!” (v.28).

Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas for struggling but for his unwillingness to believe. There was evidence—the empty tomb, the testimonies, and the miracles Thomas had already witnessed. Faith doesn’t ignore pain; it acknowledges our struggles while still choosing to trust in Jesus.

Peter reminds us: “Because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). When faith feels difficult, let this truth strengthen your heart: Jesus sees, hears, and meets us where we are.