Seeing is Believing

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:24-29

INSIGHT  

Let’s be honest, the disciple Thomas has a bad rap among Jesus followers. I have heard sermons where Thomas was bashed for expressing doubt.  He’s even referred to as “Doubting Thomas.”  What a rough way to be remembered! But both the bashing and his nickname has never sat well with me because who can blame Thomas for doubting?

Here is a practical example for us to consider: car shopping. You find a car, test drive it, and fall in love with it. The dealer comes to you and tells you the price of the car. You do not feel confident it can be the right price, so you ask for proof. But the dealer says, “Just trust me.” How many of us are going to simply trust and buy the car? Not a single one. 

Now imagine being Thomas. He just watched his proclaimed savior die on a cross and is now being told he is alive. Thomas did what we all would do, he asked for proof!

I would say the majority of who attended the crucifixion of Jesus walked away thinking the same thing, “Wow, Jesus is dead. I guess he really was just another prophet or teacher.” Very few I imagine walked away from Jesus’ dead body and thought he was going to follow through with a resurrection because no one had before. 

But Jesus was exactly who He said he was. Three days after dying, Jesus breathed once again. 

Jesus did a big reveal to several of his disciples, but guess who was not present for the first reveal? That is right, Thomas. So, for eight days Thomas’ friends tried to convince him that Jesus was alive. But Thomas stood his ground and did not believe them. He clung to the well-known saying, “Seeing is believing.” 

But Thomas would experience what the others had, seeing his Savior alive and well. Jesus appeared and invited Thomas to touch his wounds from the crucifixion. Jesus did this to help remove Thomas’ doubt.

Jesus is not afraid nor upset at doubt.

When we try to cover up our doubt and hide it, it only worsens. Perhaps we are afraid that Jesus loves us less when we doubt. But the good news is that Jesus took away our sins, forever. And if Jesus can take away our sins, I think he can handle our doubt just fine. 

Jesus wraps up this moment with Thomas by telling him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

This could be viewed as some sort of rebuke, but I see it more as a reminder from a merciful Father. A reminder that whether you see me or not, you can trust me. It is the same reminder I give my 15-month-old when I leave a room for 5 seconds; just because he cannot see me, does not mean I am not there. Scolding him for being upset would not benefit our relationship. 

Jesus does not stop at seeing is believing, rather he invites us into something better. He invites us to trust him because he has proven himself worthy to be trusted. Do not let doubt keep you from walking with Jesus. Instead, let it cause you to lean in more!

REFLECTION 

• What relationship do you have with doubt? Has it kept you distant from Jesus?

• Trust that you can take your doubts to Jesus. Make it a point to run to Jesus with your doubts.

PRAYER

Father, I thank you that you are far bigger than my doubts. I am also thankful that my doubts do not hinder my relationship with you. You invite me to bring my doubts into your nail pierced hands so you can do something about them. Teach my heart to trust in you. I pray this in your almighty name, Amen.

Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.