For some reason, when Jesus appeared to the disciples, Thomas was absent. Eight days later, they gathered again, inside, with the doors shut. This time Thomas was there. In the time of his doubt, he received revelation and heard a declaration from the Lord of a greater blessing.
His Doubt
The disciples full of joy told him they had seen the Lord. We know from another passage that Thomas struggled with some negative thoughts. In this instance he expressed his thoughts clearly. “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Revelation
Jesus, as before, came and stood among them with the same greeting. “Peace to you!” He already knew about Thomas. He encouraged him “Reach your finger here, look at my hands, reach your hand here and put it into My side.” Thomas then declared, “My Lord and my God!”
A Declaration From the Lord
“Because you have seen Me, you believe,” Jesus said to Thomas. There was more He had to say. Looking to the generations beyond, to you and to me He added, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”