Thomas, the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, «We have seen the Lord». But he replied, «Until I have seen in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe».
Eight days later, the disciples were inside again and Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, «Peace be with you». Then He said to Thomas, «Put your finger here and see my hands; stretch out your hand and put it into my side. Resist no longer and be a believer». Thomas then said, «You are my Lord and my God». Jesus replied, «You believe because you see me, don't you? Happy are those who have not seen and believe» .
Source: http://evangeli.net/gospel/
Analysis
Today's passage describes the time where Thomas doubted the appearance of Jesus. It is a fairly short passage and took place after Jesus' resurrection. When the disciples told Thomas that Jesus had came back, Thomas didn't believe them as he wasn't there when Jesus first appeared in front of the disciples. Thomas then claimed unless he saw the wounds, he won't believe that Jesus came back. A week later more or less, Jesus came again, this time Thomas bear witness. Then Jesus showed His wounds and asked Thomas to see for himself, and asked Thomas to not disbelieve anymore, for the evidence has been seen. Then Thomas claims Jesus as his Lord and God, and Jesus said replied that he believed for he has seen, and He proclaims happiness for those who believe without seeing.
This passage contains two seemingly contradicting messages, though both in different contexts. The first message is for us to be always skeptical and wary of false messiahs, and what Thomas did was something very justifiable and is not wrong, and I agree with his choice of action. After all, Jesus warned us Himself to be wary and skeptical. Though I still disagree with Thomas overly praising Jesus, even going so far to call Jesus "God". After all, Jesus is no less man than Thomas, and Thomas is no less God than Jesus, they are both fragments of God. What Jesus said after that seemingly implies that Thomas' actions was wrong, is that true?
Jesus proclaimed happiness for those who believe without seeing. Of course, He is referencing those people who won't believe unless there is practical proof, or materialistic evidence. One can believe with only pure reason, that is logical arguments and statements, and they are more reliable than practical proof actually. However, isn't Thomas right in questioning the material aspect of the world, and only trusting his logical sense? Yes he is, as a result the fault most likely lies with Jesus. What Jesus said was true, but it doesn't suit the context and it seems He's taking the moral high ground. We must remember that Jesus is not infallible, or at least the authors writing about Him. Nevertheless, that is how it is, and that is all I have to say for now, have a nice day and see you tomorrow.
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