One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
The idiom, seeing is believing was first recorded in this form in 1639, meaning only physical or concrete evidence is convincing. Seeing is believing is what people say when they will only believe something is true if they see it themselves.
Actually, seeing is believing could have originated from John’s recording of Jesus’ appearing to Thomas. Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus entered unexpectedly and stood among them when they were hiding in fear behind locked doors (John 20:19-20). When Thomas returned, the disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
Thomas’ response was like many of ours when we must be convinced of the truth by what we see. They knew it was Jesus; they were convinced because they saw the physical evidence—Jesus showed them His wounds. Nevertheless, Thomas said, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”
In other words, Thomas’ response was like many of ours would have been—seeing is believing—I need physical, concrete evidence before I believe Jesus is alive.
Point to Ponder:
· Jesus is not intimidated nor surprised by an individual’s unbelief. Truth is He knew Thomas would not be with the disciples when He appeared. He seized the opportunity to speak to this generation and generations to come before His second return that all may no longer be unbelieving, but be blessed by believing without seeing His physical body.
Eight days later Jesus returned and Thomas was there with the others. Again, the doors were locked! Jesus came and stood among them and greeted them, “Peace be with you.” Then He spoke directly to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
He presented Himself as the physical, concrete evidence for Thomas’ inspection. After seeing and touching, Thomas exclaimed without reservation, "My Lord and my God!” Consequently, for Thomas, he had proof that convinced him Jesus had risen from the dead. However, for our benefit, Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me.” Furthermore, He said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
Do you believe Jesus died on the Cross and resurrected on the third day although you have seen no physical evidence?
I do! Therefore, I am blessed.
If you believe, you are also blessed just because you believe without having physically touched Him, put your finger in His pierced side or nail pierced hands and feet.
Indeed, seeing is believing is an idiom for many, but knowing by faith is having a personal encounter, which will settle doubts about the reality of a risen Savior without seeing Him in bodily form.
The concrete evidence is a transformed life by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit!
I am not naïve to think everyone will believe when you tell them Jesus is alive because of your personal encounter. For example, when Paul told King Agrippa about his Damascus Road encounter, Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:27,28).
The Lord is sovereign and will reveal Himself if that is what it takes for one to believe. Just as He revealed Himself to Thomas and Paul, He has a way of revealing Himself to you and anyone else He chooses. A personal revelation of who He is life-changing! God has a way of convincing those who still say, “Unless I see, I will never believe.”
Point to Ponder:
· One’s disbelief does not change the Truth about Jesus the Christ being Savior and Lord.
If you have not believed, I pray that you will be blessed to believe without seeing physical or concrete evidence of Jesus’ pierced hands, feet and side. Moreover, may you know Him by your own supernatural encounter through faith.
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved (Romans 10:10).
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunity you have provided for all who choose to believe that Jesus is Your beloved Son. Thank you for not being intimidated or surprised by anyone’s unbelief. I pray that the scales that cover eyes are removed so that they can clearly see Your unconditional love through the sacrifice Jesus paid for the forgiveness of our sins.
Thank You, Jesus, for Your finished works on the Cross at Calvary to reconcile mankind back to the Father. Amen
Your turn to believe and respond.
Updated version ©2019 Queen E. Phillips, A Majestic Publication. All rights reserved.