Seeing and Believing

John 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. (that other disciple was John)

We see here that John upon entering the empty tomb believed that Jesus was risen from the dead. By contrast later in the chapter we have Thomas expressing his need to not only see Jesus, but to touch the wounds in his hands and his side.

John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Even though Thomas needed to see to believe, Jesus did not condemn him.  Jesus came and made another appearance so that Thomas could have a chance to see, so that he could believe.

John 20:26-29 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. ²⁷ Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. ²⁸ And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. ²⁹ Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Although I would like to be more like John, I must admit that I am more often like Thomas.