There is a great effort to give sight to our faith. Many think, “If I could just see Jesus, or something tangible to prove once and for all that what I believe is real.” Like doubting Thomas in John 20:25b who said, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Jesus graciously did reveal himself to Thomas. I would humbly offer two reasons why Thomas’ experience was unique. 1) Jesus had not yet ascended and so was not yet in His glorified state. 2) And this encounter was to set the stage for what would be the reality for every disciple after His ascension.
Jesus ascended to heaven and has not returned to the earth since then. Multiple Bible passages clearly state He will remain in heaven until his triumphant return (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:10-11, 2:33, 3:20-21, 7:55-56; Rom 8:34; Phil 3:20; Col 3:1; 1 Thes 1:10; Heb 8:1, 10:12-13, 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22; Rev 14:1).
Jesus himself warned us that He would not be here on the earth again until His triumphant return. The days will come, when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shines unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. (Luke 17:22-24)
Not even the apostles saw him bodily on the earth again after his ascension. Those in the New Testament who experienced a real physical appearance of Jesus after his departure, always saw him in heaven in His glorified state. When Jesus converted Saul he appeared physically to Paul from heaven (Acts 9:3, 22:6). Paul told the Corinthians that he was the last one to see the resurrected Christ. He implied that there would not be anyone else after him to do so (1 Cor 15:8; also Acts 22:14-15). When Stephen had his vision of Jesus, Jesus was in heaven (Acts 7:55-56).
NO ONE HAS SEEN OR SPOKEN WITH JESUS APART FROM HIS GLORIFIED STATE SINCE THE RESURRECTION
We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor 5:7)
Christ only works with His disciples through the Holy Spirit, and the departure of Jesus was necessary in the coming of the Holy Spirit. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
Thomas, Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Emphasis included) - John 20:29