“When John who was in prison heard what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”” – Matthew 11:2-3
By grace of the Holy Spirit, John knew exactly Who and What Jesus is (Luke 3:21-22; Mark 1:10-11; Matthew 3:13:16; John 1:33-34). John didn’t need affirmation of Jesus’ identity. He was sent to identify Jesus. That is what he was doing when he sent his followers to ask these questions of Jesus. He sent these men that they themselves can hear and see what Jesus is doing and saying. He sent them not to get answers for himself but for themselves.
We can tell others of Jesus all day and until we turn blue. We can speak of all the wonders He did and continues to do and barely scratch the surface of what He is doing. We can teach all His parables and of His words in Scripture. But, until the listener encounters Jesus Himself, will they, can they believe?
Easter Sunday Jesus appeared to the women, the two on the road to Emmaus (Luke 23) and to Peter and the others, Thomas wasn’t there. I can imagine how much the other Apostles spoke of seeing Jesus during the days following Easter. I can’t actually imagine them talking about anything else. But, Thomas didn’t believe. “Unless I see the mark of the nails on his hands and put my finger into the place where the nails pierced and insert my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25
It wasn’t until Divine Mercy Sunday that Thomas personally encountered the risen Lord. Jesus stood before him, with all the others around them grinning, he reached out to touch the hands and side of Jesus and declared – “My Lord and my God” – John 20:28.
Thomas had no reason to doubt the veracity of his friends’ story. He could trust their honesty and could see their conviction.
Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas when he invited him to touch His wounds. Jesus invited Thomas to encounter Him personally and fully. Jesus invited Thomas see with his own eyes, hear His voice and touch Him. And, like the Baptizer’s followers, he believed. And, Thomas from the depth of his soul declared, “my Lord and my God!”
Yes, tell them about Jesus, let them see your joy and conviction. Let them hear of all Jesus has done and is doing in your life. But then, send them to encounter Jesus personally. Don’t be offended if your words don’t convince them – pray they will see and touch Jesus and declare like Thomas.