John 20:26-29 (NKJV)
26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
What causes people to doubt? Is doubt always a bad thing? The most famous doubter in history was the disciple Thomas. He was not with the others when Jesus appeared to them the first time. The disciples told him they had seen the Lord but Thomas would not believe unless he saw Jesus for himself. The Lord gave him that chance and gave him the proof he needed eight days later. Thomas got to see and touch Jesus. Jesus did not chastise Thomas for doubting but answered his questions. Could it be that Jesus wanted to build up Thomas as an unimpeachable witness?
So Thomas became an eye witness to Jesus resurrection. In a court, much credibility is given to an eye witness to a crime. Therefore, much credibility goes to Thomas because he has now “seen” Jesus. Thomas did not want to be fooled. Once he had the proof he needed, he came to a dramatic conclusion. Thomas said “My Lord and my God!” Thank you Thomas!
Seeing is believing isn’t it? We believe that to which we are eye witnesses more so than what we hear. But Jesus was going to return to His Father soon and needed to establish His witnesses here on earth. These witnesses were to be Jesus witnesses to “the ends of the earth.” They better be really sure in their belief, hadn’t they? So Jesus went to people who had a reputation for researching things to be sure. People who were known to share only the truth they had proven. Such was Thomas. He wasn’t taking anybody’s word for it. He would investigate for himself. He would get to the bottom of the story. If Thomas said so, you could take it to the bank. Now that Thomas had done his research, what conclusion had he reached? Thomas was certain Jesus was who He said. Thomas declared Jesus his Lord and God. Thank you Thomas. Now, I have no questions. I can trust your observations.
Have you seen Jesus? I hope to see Him someday but as yet, I have not. And yet, I believe He is my Lord, my Savior and my Friend. How can I make that observation? I believe because of the writing of trustworthy people who themselves cared enough to make sure the story was true. They sought the proof I would need so I can just believe. Romans 10:17 says So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We get to hear the story and know it is true because we cannot touch His hands and His side. Thomas has done that for us! Blessed be the ones who doubt for they will be seekers of the truth and that truth will be, for us, a blessing!
Lord, thank You for the doubters of this world who will become seekers of the truth. You are that Truth. We are blessed to know You through the work of those who got to see and touch you and wrote down Your Word. As they wrote it down for us to read, I ask You to write Your story on our hearts. In Jesus name we pray!