Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:26-29).
A few, like Lazarus, had been miraculously brought back from death. Yet they had not raised themselves; and their return to earthly life was only for a while. They would later die like ordinary men. Jesus did what no man had done before (and what no man has done since). By the power of God He lifted Himself from death (John 2:19). He rose, never to die again (Romans 6:9). Disciples like Thomas doubted that such power was possible in a man. Their doubts and questions only added more strength to the proof. These men demanded real proof. Many of them had seen Jesus’ death with their own eyes. They knew, beyond any doubt, that He was dead (John 19:33-35; Mark 15:44-45). Sadness took away their hope (Luke 24:17-21). Jesus satisfied them only with clear proofs that His dead body had truly returned to life. He even showed Himself to over 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). In Galilee Jesus showed Himself often to the apostles.
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The disciples’ complete change of heart, and their courage as witnesses, show how fully they were convinced. Jesus gave them full and believable evidence so that all could believe through their reports. At the end of the forty days, Jesus went back to be with God. This was done in a way that removed any doubt about where He was going.
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11).
No one knows when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). When He comes back, He will raise and judge all people (John 5:22,26-29). He will take His own people to live with God (John 14:1-3; Hebrews 9:28). His resurrection makes these promises sure (Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26).