Thomas Sees Jesus and Believes

John 20:24–31
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Thomas had not been with the other disciples when Jesus appeared unto them in His resurrected body (v. 24). When they tried to tell him the news of the resurrection, Thomas refused to believe it until he had actually touched the hands, feet, and side of the Savior (v. 25). One week later, Jesus provided the opportunity Thomas wanted as He again entered a room with locked doors and invited Thomas to touch Him (vv. 26-27). Thomas responds by saying, “My Lord and My God!"  He based his faith on sight (v. 28). Christ said, “The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed” (v. 29). He then promises a special blessing for those who do not have to see but believe just by hearing (vv. 30-31). 

Doubt is often an intellectual problem. We want to believe, but our faith is shattered by problems and questions. We cannot fault Thomas for wanting a personal experience, but we can condemn him for laying down conditions for the Lord to meet. It may sound intellectual to question what Jesus did, but such questions are usually evidence of hard hearts. It is not necessary to “see” Jesus Christ in order to believe. Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his doubts. He rebuked him for his unbelief. Unbelief is a definite spiritual problem.  

John’s purpose for writing this book is clearly presen­ted in the last two verses of this chapter. Jesus had worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book (v. 30). However, these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God (v. 31). If you have faith in him, you will have true life.

Application

In my own spiritual walk, I need to make sure that I am not struggling with spiritual doubts. Doubting the Lord in any area of my spiritual walk will hinder me from being all that He wants me to be. Lord, help me to not be a doubting Thomas!