From Doubt to Faith: Doubting Thomas and the Power of Belief in the Gospel of John
Apr 7, 2024 – 2nd Sunday of Easter | John 20:19-31
Faith beyond the Physical Realm in the Gospel of John
In a world where "seeing is believing", we often rely on our physical senses to determine what is real and true. What about matters of faith? Can we confine ourselves to the physical realm regarding spiritual truths? Our reading about Doubting Thomas in John's Gospel raises this question. This morning, we read John 20:19-31, a testament to the power of faith.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection: A Turning Point
Picture this: Jesus, the beloved teacher and leader, has just been crucified. Fear and despair grip the disciples as they huddle together behind locked doors, fearing for their own lives. The confusion deepens with the news of Jesus' resurrection, brought by the women who discovered the empty tomb. To worsen matters, the Jewish authorities spread rumors that the disciples stole Jesus' body.
Suddenly, Jesus appears among them. His words bring comfort and peace: "Peace be with you." Instead of scolding them for their doubts, He offers them proof. He reveals the wounds on His hands and feet, inviting them to touch and verify that He is truly alive.
In that moment, the disciples' fear transforms into joy. Their doubts vanish and are replaced by faith. They don't just see Jesus; they see their resurrected Lord, triumphing over death itself.
Doubting Thomas: The Skeptic
However, one disciple is absent during this crucial encounter: Thomas. When he returns and hears the incredible news, skepticism takes hold. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger in the wounds, I will not believe," he boldly declares.
Thomas isn't merely expressing healthy skepticism. He prioritizes his own sensory experience over the firsthand accounts of his trusted companions. He clings to the limitations of human sight, rejecting Jesus' own words about His resurrection.
Many of us can relate to Doubting Thomas. We may not always doubt Jesus' existence, but we might struggle to believe in the extraordinary claims of faith, such as the resurrection. We might question why God doesn't provide undeniable proof.
Yet, in His compassion, Jesus doesn't abandon Thomas. He understands the human desire for tangible evidence. During the next gathering of the disciples, Jesus appears again, even though the doors are locked. This time, He directs His attention to Doubting Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds and believe.
From Doubt to Faith
Our text doesn't explicitly state whether Thomas physically touched Jesus' wounds. Nevertheless, Jesus' words spark a profound shift. Thomas' doubt dissipates, replaced by faith. He exclaims, "My Lord and my God!"
Thomas' declaration is a powerful testament to the power of faith. Contrary to popular belief, Thomas wasn't demanding proof. It was Jesus who offered it. This encounter mirrors Jesus' interaction with the other disciples, recognizing the importance of visual confirmation for their role in spreading the message of salvation.
The apostles, entrusted with carrying Jesus' message of death and resurrection to the world, needed unyielding conviction. Their effectiveness relied on their own firm belief. Their firsthand accounts, rooted in both sight and hearing, became the foundation of Christianity.
Through their willingness to face persecution and even death, these apostles ensured that the message of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection reached us today. Without their accounts, how could we have such certainty about Jesus conquering death?
The Power of Testimony
John, one of the eyewitnesses, emphasizes the critical role of their testimony in his first epistle: "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you..." John highlights the importance of this firsthand experience in strengthening faith and uniting believers.
However, Jesus reminds Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." This statement points to the unique freedom and joy of relying solely on God's word delivered through eyewitnesses. Our faith is not dependent on worldly circumstances. Like the Apostle Paul, we can find joy even while suffering, knowing that the empty tomb signifies our ultimate victory in Christ.
Even when we experience moments of despair, Jesus assures us that God's promises hold. Just as He raised His Son from death, He offers the same hope of eternal life to those who believe. This unshakeable assurance is the reward for those who walk by faith, not by sight.
Faith beyond Sight
John 20:19-31 reminds us that faith encompasses more than our senses or intellectual abilities. Faith is a strong trust in God, a surrender to His promises even when we can't fully comprehend them with our senses.Â
The apostles' eyewitness accounts were crucial in establishing the foundation of Christianity. Today, faith provides the opportunity to personally experience the power of Jesus' resurrection. This is a call for us to examine our faith. Are we like Doubting Thomas, clinging to the limitations of sight, or are we open to faith, the power of believing without seeing?Â
Jesus' resurrection offers hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life. Take a step of faith today and welcome the joy of a relationship with the risen Christ.
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