Reading
John 20:24–29—Blessed are those who believe without seeing
Notes
Some say Thomas spoke for the whole world: “Give me proof and I’ll believe!” I am not so sure. I think the world’s view is more like, “Show me the facts, and I’ll invent another theory.” …
Praise God, there was a remedy for Thomas, and there is a remedy for us. The Lord gave Thomas time to think about the situation, eight days to be exact, and Thomas did just that. He was fellowshipping with the apostolic band…
Thomas may have been slow to believe, but he was not slow to grasp the implications of Christ’s resurrection. Jesus was not only his Lord but his God. The evidence was palpable, substantive, and clear. Thomas’s faith rested on solid rock.
What about us? The evidence is still just as substantive, just as palpable, just as clear. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’ ” (v. 29). We can be part of that blessed company. It is not a ship of fools. We have the prophetic Scriptures to confirm our faith, not the least of which is Psalm 22. And we have the testimony of resurrected lives.
The Lord pronounced a final beatitude on those who do not see and yet believe. We have great joy now and will someday share in the likeness of his resurrection. In the words of Joni Eareckson Tada, “I know the meaning of that now. It’s the time after my death when I’ll be on my feet dancing.”
Questions
- What caused Thomas to believe in the resurrection?
- What causes you to believe in the resurrection?
- Why is it hard for some to believe?
Praise
Psalm 20b, 119r
Prayer
- Give thanks for God blessing you with faith to believe without seeing the risen Jesus.
- Pray for a specific application from yesterday's sermons.
- Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.