Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. (John 20:29)
Do you ever consider the absurdity of your faith? Do you believe that in the first century, a Jewish rabbi was crucified, buried, then rose back to life? That he then passed through walls, appearing and disappearing? That he floated up into the clouds to reunite with his father, who was not his birth father, but one with whom he shared the same essence? Yes, it is easy to consider this absurd!
So, be kind to Thomas. He wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection. These disciples were so excited to share with Thomas that they had seen the living Jesus. Yet, Thomas doubted. And for the last two centuries, Thomas has gotten the name “Doubting Thomas.” Jesus could have dismissed Thomas for doubting, but he didn’t. Rather, he responded to Thomas’ request to show him the nail marks in his hands and feet. Seeing them, Thomas believed. Jesus responded to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (v 29)
So, what is Jesus’ response when we have doubts? Does he dismiss us? Does he consider our faith to be too weak? Or, does he understand the weakness of our faith and encourage us? I believe that Jesus’ grace extends to us, also. So, if we are honest, we have times of doubting. When we doubt, Jesus is there to comfort, reassure and bless us – who have not seen and yet believe.