Blessed are those who do not see, and yet believe
John 20:24-31
24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 27 Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ 28 Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29 Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
Thomas was not there when Jesus walked through the locked door the first Easter Sunday night – he did not believe the story the other disciples told. And with Thomas’ doubt, the energy and excitement of the other disciples evaporated. A week later, again Sunday night, the disciples (this time with Thomas) were in the upper room behind a locked door.
Jesus again comes through the locked door and says again “Shalom” (Peace be with you.)
Jesus turned to Thomas, and said, “See the hands, the side, believe it is me.” Thomas saw and Thomas believed. The belief expressed in Thomas’ answer is significant: “My Lord and my God.” Thomas is the first person in the gospel of John to say that Jesus is God – others have come close – “Son of God”, “Lamb of God”, “the Holy One of God” – all references to Jesus as Messiah. Thomas is the first one to declare aloud that Jesus is “My God”.
Thomas is often called “doubting Thomas”, but the other disciples through their lack of action (still behind a locked door, even thought they had been sent), demonstrated that they too had doubts. So it is Thomas with his statement “My Lord, and my God” who moves from doubt to belief – a belief that will lead to action. Belief in Jesus leads to action – including offering forgiveness.
Back to Wednesday devotional – seeing the risen Jesus did not lead to changed lives. It was belief that Jesus was God and that therefore it was God who had said, “I am sending you, receive the Holy Spirit, you have the power to forgive” that brought the change. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who do not see and yet believe.” We are blessed if not having seen we believe and live lives of following Jesus – going, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, and offering forgiveness.
PRAYER:
Lord, we have not seen Jesus Christ risen from the dead, but we believe. Turn our belief into action – going, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, and offering forgiveness. Amen.