John 20:25 – “So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ 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.’”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse records Thomas’ reaction when the other disciples tell him they have seen Jesus alive. Thomas had not been present when Jesus first appeared to them (John 20:24), so he missed the miraculous moment.

When his fellow disciples excitedly tell him, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas refuses to believe it. Instead, he demands physical proof—he wants to see and touch Jesus’ wounds for himself before he will accept that Jesus is truly risen.

Thomas’ reaction is both understandable and revealing. He was not just being stubborn; he was wrestling with something that was humanly impossible. Crucifixion was meant to be final—dead people don’t just come back to life. While the other disciples had already received the gift of seeing Jesus, Thomas had only heard their words, and it wasn’t enough for him.

But Thomas’ statement also shows something deeper—he wanted real faith, not just secondhand belief. He didn’t want to rely only on someone else’s experience; he wanted to encounter Jesus for himself.

Historical Context

At this point, Jesus had already appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18) and then to the other disciples (John 20:19-23). The disciples were still hiding in fear, but their fear turned to joy when they saw Jesus alive.

Thomas, however, had missed this first appearance. We aren’t told why he wasn’t there, but because he was absent, he did not share in their joy. Instead, he was skeptical, much like others had been before seeing Jesus:

• The women at the tomb told the disciples that Jesus was alive, but they didn’t believe at first (Luke 24:9-11).
• The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were confused and doubtful until Jesus revealed Himself (Luke 24:13-35).

Thomas was not the only one who struggled to believe—he was simply the most outspoken about it.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals some important truths about faith and doubt:

1. Faith often begins with questions. Thomas’ doubt didn’t mean he had abandoned Jesus—he simply struggled to believe something so extraordinary. Many people wrestle with doubt before coming to faith.
2. Jesus welcomes honest seekers. Thomas’ demand for proof wasn’t a sign of rebellion but of someone who wanted to be sure of what he believed. Jesus later met him where he was and gave him the evidence he needed.
3. Faith isn’t just about seeing—it’s about trusting. Jesus later tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). True faith is based on trusting God’s word, not just visible proof.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often emphasizes personal encounters with Jesus, and Thomas’ story is another example.

• “So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’” – This parallels how the women told the disciples about Jesus’ resurrection earlier. In both cases, people struggled to believe at first.
• “Unless I see the nail marks… and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – This is a very bold statement. Thomas is not just asking for visual proof—he wants to physically touch Jesus’ wounds. This shows that he was deeply struggling with doubt but also shows his desire for a real, personal encounter with Jesus.

Thomas’ words reflect a common theme in John’s Gospel: seeing and believing. Throughout John, Jesus performed miracles that led people to faith, but He also emphasized that true faith goes beyond physical sight (John 4:48, John 20:29).

Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 16:11-14 – The disciples doubted the women’s report of the resurrection, and even later, Jesus rebuked them for unbelief.
• Luke 24:36-40 – Jesus appears to His disciples and shows them His hands and feet, proving He is not a ghost.
• Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
• 1 Peter 1:8-9 – “Though you have not seen him, you love him… and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today feel like Thomas. They hear about Jesus from others, but they want personal proof before they will believe.

• It’s okay to have honest questions. Doubt isn’t always a sign of weak faith—sometimes it’s a sign that someone is truly searching for truth.
• Faith isn’t about seeing—it’s about trusting God’s word. Jesus made it clear that those who believe without seeing are especially blessed (John 20:29).
• Personal experiences with Jesus change everything. Thomas wanted an encounter, and when he finally saw Jesus, his doubt turned into a bold confession of faith (John 20:28).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how Jesus deals with Thomas. Jesus doesn’t condemn him for doubting—He invites him to believe.

1. God is patient with those who struggle. Thomas’ doubt didn’t push Jesus away. Instead, Jesus came to him personally and gave him what he needed.
2. God desires a personal relationship. Thomas didn’t want just words—he wanted to experience Jesus himself. That’s exactly what Jesus offers all of us: a real relationship, not just religious information.
3. God’s love invites us to faith. Jesus didn’t force Thomas to believe; He revealed Himself and invited Thomas to trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Thomas’ doubt ultimately points back to the truth about Jesus:

1. Jesus is truly risen. The fact that Thomas’ doubts were erased when he saw Jesus proves that the resurrection was real.
2. Jesus is patient with those who struggle. Instead of rejecting Thomas, Jesus appeared to him personally and gave him the proof he needed.
3. Jesus calls for faith beyond sight. He told Thomas that those who believe without seeing are blessed (John 20:29), pointing to the kind of faith all future believers would need.

Other related passages:

• John 20:28 – Thomas’ response: “My Lord and my God!”
• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, truth, and life, which Thomas himself had questioned earlier.
• Acts 1:3 – Jesus provided many convincing proofs of His resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Thomas was so insistent on seeing and touching Jesus before he would believe?
2. Have you ever struggled with doubt in your faith? How did you deal with it?
3. What does Jesus’ response to Thomas later (John 20:27-29) teach us about how God deals with doubt?
4. How does this verse challenge us to trust in Jesus even when we don’t see Him physically?
5. How can we encourage those who struggle with faith like Thomas did?

Thomas’ story is not about a disciple who failed—it’s about a disciple who was honest in his doubts and then came to a deep, personal faith in Jesus. His journey reminds us that God is not afraid of our questions and that He meets those who are truly seeking Him.