This window portrays an appearance of the risen Lord, as evidenced by the wounds in Jesus’ hands, to his apostles. The apostles are kneeling in awe and reverence while the apostle Thomas is standing looking over his shoulder at the Lord unsure that it is truly the Lord risen from the dead.
The biblical account of the apparition of Jesus to the Apostle Thomas, sometimes called the “Incredulity of Thomas,” is found in the Gospel of John (John 20:24–29). Thomas, who was not present during Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to the other disciples, refused to believe their testimony, demanding physical proof. When the other disciples told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe”.
At the second appearance, as portrayed in this window, eight days later, the disciples were gathered in the same locked room, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus suddenly appeared again and greeted them with “Peace be with you!”. Jesus then directly addressed Thomas, offering the exact proof he had demanded: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe”.
Overwhelmed, Thomas responded with the profound declaration of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”