“I won’t believe it unless…” John 20:25
Easter is arguably the most important day of the year for the Christian. It is the special time we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the grave. Many also call it Resurrection Sunday!
On that day one of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus appeared to them for the first time. Thomas’s belief was lacking unless he could “see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” (John 20:25)
The Scripture tells us eight days later Jesus makes another appearance to His disciples and this time Thomas is with them. Jesus graciously allows Thomas to fulfill his earlier request. He touches Jesus and Thomas believes with the words: “My Lord and My God!” Jesus responds with “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:29)
Jesus, in His kindness, allowed “Doubting Thomas” to use his physical senses to experience the risen Messiah – sight, smell, touch, hearing. We do not have the same opportunity Thomas had. However, we are truly the “blessed” ones – we are blessed by believing without using our senses.
For many skeptics of Christianity, the resurrection of Christ is an obstacle to their full belief. They will not believe, much like Thomas, unless they have proof. Any historian will tell you there is never 100% proof of anything in history. Any historical event includes some level of faith. For example, we were not around when George Washington lived. We read about him in our history books growing up. However, I have yet to meet any American who does not believe he existed. We rely on the testimony of others who were there and who passed down the accounts of Washington through the years.
There is much evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus outside of the Bible. We do not have the space to research it here but there are many good historians who have studied the evidences for the resurrection and written them down. One is “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus” by Gary Habermas. If you or someone you know can be helped by learning about these evidences, consider study this book and others for yourself.
In the end, all of us must exercise faith and believe in the Resurrection if we are to follow Jesus Christ. Are you waiting until you can see, feel or hear Jesus before you believe? Believe today without these luxuries and follow the risen Savior! This is true belief.
