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The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Carvaggio (circa 1601)

Since our topic for the first week of LifeLab is "Who Is Jesus?" I thought it might be appropriate to share this wonderful image from the baroque painter Carvaggio. There is something about this representation of the story from Scripture where Thomas is brought in to see the resurrected Christ and actually is able to place his fingers on Christ's wounds.

John 20:27
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

In Carvaggio's version we see Christ actually thrusting Thomas' finger into His side. We see the others looking on in anticipation and amazement. All of this fully demonstrates that Christ has a physical body. Though He is resurrected, He is still in corporeal form — His human body is now glorified, but is still real and human.

I love the idea that Christ is so concerned with Thomas' doubt, that He gets very physical and intimate with Him. He settles all doubt once and for all. Not only has He been raised from the dead, but He is raised not just as a spirit but as a glorified body. The look on Thomas' face is priceless.