Read John 20:24-29
Stop Doubting And Believe!
Why did Thomas doubt the resurrection of Jesus even after 10 disciples told him they saw Jesus? Why was the testimony of 10 people not enough for Thomas? Why did he “Have to see and touch” before he could believe?
1. To understand Thomas, you have to look at his mindset. He hadn’t just lost a teacher, he lost a King! All the dreams Thomas had of Jesus setting the Jews free from Roman rule, just collapsed in a public brutal execution.
2. Thomas wasn’t necessarily calling his friends liars; he was likely questioning their perception. The story had to sound somewhat unbelievable. Think about it. Imagine yourself as Thomas coming to the house where they were in hiding and hearing his friends tell them that Jesus miraculously appeared among them when the door was locked. It would be easier for Thomas to believe that a “ghost of Jesus” appeared versus his real physical body. Plus the law of nature does not allow for the resurrection of a dead body.
But Jesus wasn’t just anybody. He was the son of God. Appearing in a room with a locked door does not have power over the Lord God Almighty. Just as death does not have power over the Lord Almighty.
And to prove that point, he appeared that way again the second time so Thomas could see the power of God in a resurrected body. He invited Thomas to touch the scars because the scars were the proof that this was the same body that had been crucified.
Like Thomas, many people today feel that “seeing is believing” is the only safe way to live. The Bible holds the testimony of many many many many many people. But that’s not enough in our world today but blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
Let me say this about Thomas. Perhaps doubt isn’t always the opposite of faith. Perhaps a person’s doubt is their path towards finding faith. Maybe he wanted a faith that was his own. A person who doubts but keeps asking questions, is often a person looking for truth … looking for faith.
Where are you on your journey? If you have faith then live it and promote it. If you’re in search of faith, keep asking questions, keep pursuing God in his word and hear the testimonies of many.
