In this message from John 20:24-29, we see that "Doubting Thomas" is the most unfortunate nickname of any character in the Bible. Instead, he is a guy who missed out on Jesus' first resurrection experience. During a week where the others disciples were experiencing exuberant joy, he was unraveling inside. It is a tale of two weeks: the week of joy experienced by the disciples, and the week of sadness, sorrow, doubt, and uncertainty experienced by Thomas.

And then Jesus appeared, not condemning Thomas, but with kindness and gentleness. Seeing the resurrected Jesus, Thomas declared, "my Lord and my God."

From Thomas we can learn:

• The need for community: We don't know why Thomas wasn't there the first time. We do not that he missed a lot because he wasn't in community with the other believers.
• Jesus honors our wrestling and uncertainty: Instead, Jesus met Thomas at the vulnerable place with words of peace.
• "My Lord and my God": What an incredible declaration of praise! And that is the response to Jesus meeting us with his restorative presence.