I don’t know how much you like it, but I usually sigh when I get one of those “two factor authorization” messages when I’m trying to log into something. You input your username and password, expecting to be let in to whatever it is you’re trying to get into, and then you get a message like “We’ve sent you a 6 digit code to email address ending xxx@xxxxurch.org, please verify your account by putting this code…”

Argh. And maybe that’s a little how the disciples felt when Thomas said that he wasn’t going to believe them unless he saw the nail marks and spear marks in Jesus. Perhaps we need to update his nickname from “Doubting Thomas” to “Two Factor Authorization Thomas”. 

But I have also long argued that Thomas isn’t to be belittled. Sure, he didn’t believe his brother disciples, but can you blame him? Who else do YOU know who rose from the dead? You never know, maybe one of the disciples was notorious for April Fools Day jokes and Thomas had reason to be suspicious. We all have our little doubts, and our reasons for those doubts.

Thomas also brings us this great moment where Jesus comes back just to meet Thomas. Jesus seems to show up specifically just for Thomas, to deal with his refusal to believe, his refusal to see how this all works out in God’s plan. Jesus shows up and provides Thomas with what he needs. 

That is really good news for us, because there’s a little “Two Factor” in all of us. We all say that we’re willing to step out in faith, but in reality, most of us are looking for a little something extra to shore us up. Thankfully, Jesus agrees to show up with plenty of “second factors” – facts from history, intelligent Christians who have worked through some difficult questions, and other things, not to mention the Holy Spirit who guides and directs our hearts and our reading of Scripture.

So this week, when you get the “two factor authorization” prompt, while you’re waiting for that text or email to come in so that you can prove who you are – give God some thanks that He had Jesus show up in Thomas’ life and in yours.