Read John 20:24-27. Circle the word(s) that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Reflections on the Word.
Testimonies? Not enough. I want evidence. I want observable facts. Reading the Biblical record is not enough. We want historical confirmation. We want proof.
We are living in a time whereby faith is not enough. “Enlightment” and the “Scientific Method” has caused doubt in our hearts and minds of the truthfulness of Scripture. Just like Thomas, we want to see the nailed scar hands, the pierced side, and the scars on Jesus’ head. But if we can’t have Jesus physically in front of us, then maybe, we will believe if we can have some other confirming evidence, like earth shattering miracles or extraordinary healing. But, we have to see it with our own eyes. The testimony of our closest friends and caring family is not enough.
The reaction of Thomas to the declaration of Jesus’ resurrection is not unlike our own. Many people find it difficult to accept the Biblical record, the testimonies of the early Church Fathers, even of the martyred Christians are dismissed because of “obvious” bias. Unfortunately, nothing will convince them of the reality of God or of Jesus Christ, unless they have their own divine encounter.
Thomas said this, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Would Thomas’s testimony be enough for us, or must we put our hands and fingers into the wounds of Jesus to experience it for ourselves? Even if Jesus physically came to you and me and we had that divine encounter, do you think the skeptics would accept our testimony? If Jesus was to subject himself to a physical examination by an esteemed physician, would that report convince the skeptics? Even if there were video recorded miracles, some would still doubt what they saw as it could be a deception or illusion or deception. What will it take for a person to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?
If you are in Christ, what did it take for you to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? If you have not received Christ as your savior, what will it take for you to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? What are you looking for? What “proof” do you need to believe that Jesus Christ is real?
For some, no amount of “proof” will be enough to submit their lives to the truth of Jesus, because they have asserted that they will live their life on their own terms and no one else’s. But if you honestly and truly ask God to reveal Himself to you, I believe God will hear and answer your prayers. It may not be how you expect it, but He will answer it.
-Kingston