Blessed are they that have not seen
“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
Reflection
Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after the resurrection. When his friends told him, he said he would only believe if he saw the marks of the nails and put his hand in the side. Eight days later, Jesus appears again and addresses him directly, offering exactly what Thomas had asked for. And, after he proclaims "My Lord and my God", Jesus says: "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." It is one of the most comforting verses for those who live today, having not seen the risen Jesus with physical eyes.
First of all, note Jesus' patience with doubt. He does not humiliate Thomas, does not expel him from the group, does not rebuke him harshly. He goes to him and offers the evidence he needed. The Bible does not condemn sincere questions; Jesus is willing to answer. If you have doubts, know that you can bring them to Him honestly. Often the firmest faith is the one that has crossed doubts and come out on the other side, because it has been tested and confirmed.
Then, look at the blessing: "blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed". Who is this multitude? We are, Christians of all generations who never saw Jesus physically. That sentence is a blessing directed at us. Our faith rests on the testimony of those who saw, recorded in the Scriptures, and on the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. It is not blind faith: it is a faith based on historical evidence and real experiences, that believes in Someone we do not see, but whose presence and action we recognize. And Jesus says this faith is especially happy.
Today, if you are tired of believing without seeing, remember that you are part of a great "cloud of witnesses" who walked by faith. Strengthen your trust with the Word, with the stories of what God has already done, with the fellowship of believers. And, if there are doubts, bring them to Jesus as Thomas did. He is patient. Then rest: the blessing of those who have not seen and yet have believed is yours. One day, faith will become sight, and what we believe today we will see up close.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You do not rebuke me for my doubts, but welcome me with patience. I believe; help my unbelief. Strengthen my faith, resting on the testimony of Your Word and of Your Spirit. May I rest in the blessing of those who have not seen and yet have believed, until the day I see You face to face. Amen.
Put it into practice
If you have a doubt, write it down and bring it honestly to Jesus in prayer. Then read an account of the resurrection (for example, John 20) and strengthen your faith with the testimony of the Word.
To reflect on
What doubt have you been carrying in silence, and what would change if you brought it to Jesus with Thomas' honesty?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).