Read: John 20:19-29
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’”—John 20:24-25
Thomas wasn’t present when the resurrected Jesus first appeared to the disciples in the upper room. Despite assurances by the other disciples, Thomas wanted proof of Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas believed only after Jesus appeared and showed the wounds to His hands and side.
Today we call him, “Doubting Thomas,” the label for anyone who requires proof before believing. Still, Thomas’ words echo the sentiments of a man seeking a reason to believe. Thomas’ words could be heard as “Good you all got to see Jesus, but I have to have a basis for my belief!”
Said differently, “I have to see and know Him for myself.”
Honestly, we aren’t very different from Thomas. We may face crises of faith on occasion and find ourselves trying to reconcile our beliefs, and unsatisfied with the answers we get from others. It’s then we must seek to see and know Jesus for ourselves. Those are opportunities to ask God to reveal Himself, to answer life’s questions—answers only He can provide.
Despite being derided for his unbelief, Thomas’ refusal to believe the other disciples teaches us the importance of knowing for ourselves. Our faith, salvation and eternal life destination are too important to be based on what others believe, see, experience or accept as truth. To be authentic, we have to know and believe for ourselves.
It’s great others believe and witness to their faith in God. It’s wonderful family and friends attest to the Savior’s power and presence in their lives. It’s marvelous others know Jesus. But we can’t live our lives on earth or in eternity based on another’s faith. We must know and experience the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ in our own lives.
It’s okay to have questions, just ask the right One for the answers. He’s ready for your call!
Lesson to Remember: When you have questions about God, ask the best source of all—God
“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”—Jeremiah 33:3
