There's a little in all of us

"(Thomas) said to them, 

'Unless I see... I will not believe.' "

John 20:25

"when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,

he... plunged into the sea."

John 21:7

I've always loved Peter.  And this verse about him is one reason why.  It's classic "Peter" behavior ~ impulsive and enthusiastic.

But over the years, I've come to love Thomas, too, and I think this verse tells us a lot about his personality ~ cautious and thorough. 

All Peter needed to hear was that the Man they saw was Jesus, and he leapt into the water to get to Him, leaving his friends to bring in the boat, and the net loaded with fish.

Thomas, on the other hand, could not bring himself to believe the closest people in his life ~ his fellow disciples ~ without seeing for himself.

We criticize Thomas for doubting, and perhaps rank him just above Judas Iscariot.  But Jesus knew who he was when He chose him.  Thomas brought something that was needed to the circle of twelve.   And Thomas reminds me of all the times we are cautioned. 

We are told to watch out for false prophets. (Matthew 7:15)

We are told to be as wise as serpents, while being as gentle as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

We are told to test everything, and hold on to the good.  (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

I think this is what Thomas did ~ he tested, and then he held on to His Lord and Savior.

Jesus used Thomas to remind us that those who believe without seeing are blessed, but He also used overly confident Peter to remind us to take heed when we think we stand, lest we fall. 
(1 Corinthians 10:12)

Both Peter and Thomas were hand-picked by Jesus, as were we.  Ephesians 1:4 says He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world.  Both Peter and Thomas had their flaws, as do we, but all will be used for the glory of God.   And all we have to do, is be who we are.

~ "Thomas answered and said to Him, 

'My Lord and my God!' " ~

John 20:28

~ "Peter said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things;

You know that I love You.' " ~

John 21:17

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