I am sure that most of us have heard of “Doubting Thomas”. He was the disciple of Jesus that did not fully believe until he was able to touch the scars on Jesus’ body after the resurrection.
“25So the other disciples told him, ‘We have see the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘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.’” – John 20:25 (ESV)
This is a bit difficult for me to believe that one of Jesus’ disciples would not believe until he was able to touch Jesus. I am taught and understand from my growing up in the Christian way of life, that I need only to have faith and believe, yet Thomas needed the physical to believe.
“27Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put you finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ 28Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” – John 20:27-28 (ESV)
Jesus made it possible for Thomas to believe. He appeared before the disciples to give Thomas the needed “proof” for him to believe. And Thomas exclaimed his belief at that moment.
“29Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” – John 20:29 (ESV)
These are the words to me. Jesus understood that where Thomas had the opportunity to physically see and touch Jesus, other did not nor would they. Those were no less blessed with belief than Thomas.
NIV Commentary: “Jesus wasn’t hard on Thomas for his doubts. Despite his skepticism, Thomas was still loyal to the believers and to Jesus himself. Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions lead to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work…Let your doubt deepen your faith as you continue to search for the answer.”
I am a believer and have not had physical contact with Jesus. I do have many questions and those questions lead to answers which I then have the opportunity to accept. My belief is driven by my understanding of Christ.
When you think of Jesus, are you able to believe? What “proof” do you need for that belief? Are you able to ask the questions to get answers and accept to deepen your faith?
Trevor's Thoughts 