In today’s verse we will meditate upon Christ’s hands of divine blessing, the hands which were “pierced” for us.

Thomas was called “the twin,” but we do not know why, to say anymore would be speculation. However, Thomas has another name by which he is known throughout the world: “doubting Thomas.” He needed to see something before he believed it. On the positive side this characteristic shows he was not one to be easily duped. If Thomas believed something, it was true.

Thomas missed the blessing of the first resurrection appearance, being absent when Christ first appeared to the disciples in the room where they were gathered (Jn. 20:24–25). Perhaps he had been deeply affected by the death of Christ. But he needed to see the nails in His hands in order to believe the report of the resurrection. This is the only time that “nails” are specifically mentioned in connection with Christ’s death on the cross in the Gospels. We can thank Thomas for this information, a striking confirmation of the fulfillment of Psalm 22:16.

Eight days later Thomas was in the room when Christ appeared “in the midst.” The Lord Jesus immediately, but graciously, adjusts Thomas’ lack of faith—a condition He will not wink at in His people. “Look at My Hands.” He told Thomas to physically touch the wounds in His hands and side. Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” a very profound expression of the divinity of Christ. The Lord says to him, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” None of us has yet physically seen the Lord Jesus, but a blessing is pronounced upon us (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6–9). Shortly, faith will be turned to sight, but we will have the blessing of having believed before then.