What Jesus tells him to do is to stop his unbelief and to believe. Which he does. In a magnificent statement of worship and devotion. Thomas’ belief allows him to join the group that Jesus has sent out into the world.
No use being sent off by Jesus if you don’t believe he is the one who can forgive sins. No use being sent as his rep if you don’t believe he has been raised from the dead. There’s not much to say to people if you don’t think death has been conquered and friendship with God is open to all who believe in Jesus.
Believing in Jesus is the start. That is, believing that he is the Messiah, King, Christ. The Ruler with all authority in heaven and earth. Believing that he is the Son of God. Believing that life with God is only possible, and utterly possible through him.
Believing that, believing in that person, is just what is needed to be a sent representative. Can you believe that?
Most of us are like Martha and Peter, we believe but don’t understand enough. We believe but need help with our belief. This is normal. Belief grows as we exercise it. As we trust and obey our belief gets stronger and deeper. The more we test it the stronger it gets.
And the better we can do the job of those who have been sent.
Dale