The disciples tell Thomas that they have seen the Lord.

Thomas responds that he will not believe unless he sees the marks of the nails and can examine the wounds himself.

Eight days later the disciples are gathered inside again, and Thomas is with them.

Although the doors are locked, Jesus comes and stands among them, greeting them with peace.

He turns directly to Thomas and invites him to examine the wounds in his hands and side.

Jesus tells Thomas to stop disbelieving and believe.

Thomas responds with the confession, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus asks whether Thomas believes because he has seen and pronounces blessing on those who have not seen and yet believe.

John immediately explains that Jesus performed many other signs not written in the book, but these have been recorded so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and have life in his name.

Thomas’s movement from demanded evidence to confession therefore becomes a bridge between the eyewitness disciples and later readers who encounter the testimony through the Gospel.