Read John 19 – 21
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:29 KJV
On the evening of the resurrection of Christ, Jesus appeared to His disciples. After a day filled with reports of others seeing Him, the disciples as a group were very happy to see Him as well. However, Thomas was absent and he refused to believe in the resurrection unless he could actually touch the wounds of His crucifixion. It was another eight days before Jesus appeared to them again. Thomas being present, Jesus challenged him to see, touch, and believe. With such physical evidence, Thomas no longer had any doubts but fully believed; acknowledging Jesus Lord and God. Most would never have that same privilege, so Jesus promised added blessing on those who believe without the demands of Thomas. This does not suggest faith without evidence, as Thomas had eyewitness evidence available, so do we; the blessing is on those who mix faith with such evidence.
Lord, though I do not see or touch You physically, I do with the eyes and touch of faith. To believe in You and walk with You daily has filled my life with blessing. Thank You for the blessing of Your presence in my life.
A question to ponder: Because Thomas demanded physical evidence, what did he miss out on which Christians are able to enjoy today?
