Our scripture this morning is John 20:29 (ESV).
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Most of us have heard the term “Doubting Thomas”, often used in a derogatory way. This is the origin of that term. I feel Thomas gets a bad rap in this story and I don’t think that’s the lesson Jesus intended us to learn.
I believe it was important to God’s plan that those who knew Jesus as a man and knew He had been crucified see Him in His resurrected form. This enables them to give the eye witness testimony “He’s alive!” Thomas behaved and asked for only what the other disciples had felt and seen. They did not believe the womens’ report of the empty tomb initially and had to go see for themselves. They truly believed when Christ appeared to them.
Jesus explains the reason for all this: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Because of the disciples’ fervent sharing of the Gospel, all generations after theirs are blessed to believe even though we have not yet seen the risen Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we doubt Your love and forgiveness. Bless us to be energetic in sharing our faith and Your love with the world. Amen.
