As we go through John’s account of events after the resurrection, one of the characters that stands out is the disciple Thomas.  Remember…he’s the one who refused to believe the resurrection unless he was able to put his hands in Jesus’ nail holes and side.  Because of this, Thomas has been dubbed “Doubting Thomas” and given a negative connotation.  However, was Thomas’ lack of faith really unjustified?  Does he really deserve the bad rap he’s been given?  

​Their beloved Teacher was dead, and the hope of a restored Israel along with Him.  His body was quickly placed in a tomb without proper ceremony and preparation.  The government officials may or may not be after those that remained.  And one of their number had already denied their Lord for fear of persecution.  This was the position of the disciples on the morning of Resurrection Sunday.  Things were looking rather bleak and hopeless with no light on the horizon.  In such circumstances, it would have been easy to sulk, succumb to depression, and desert, and some of the disciples may have felt like it.  However, the first verse of John 20 shows us that at least one woman was not ready to give up yet.