Disappointment, Doubt & Faith (John chapter 20 verses 24-29)

Part 1

Thomas was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, and he had walked been with him over 3 years. He was there when Jesus gave the authority over unclean spirits. (Mark 5) He was there when the Pharisees ran Jesus out of Jerusalem, and Thomas even volunteered to go back with Jesus, even if it meant jail or death. Thomas was also a witness to the day Jesus called Lazarus back from the grave. Wow! Just like some of us today, Thomas had seen, heard and was an eyewitness to the great miracles the Lord Jesus had done for others. And yet, after the crucifixion, this disciple had real doubts about the resurrection of Jesus.
Thomas is not a bad disciple, but like some of us, as long as he could see Jesus, he could trust him. But when it looked like Jesus was gone, Thomas began to question himself and what he believed, thereby opening the door for doubt to come in.

WATCHING JESUS MOVE IN OTHER PEOPLES LIFE IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR A GENUINE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
MM

(to be continued)

PART 2

in verse 25, Thomas gives an ultimatum. Something to the effect , “…unless I see with my eyes, touch with my hand, see the nail holes, I will not believe that Jesus has resurrected.” Though this sounds like a tough guy talking, I submit that Thomas was really disappointed. The one person he thought could turn this world around was gone. In his mind, how could he continue to believe in Jesus when he could no longer see, hear him, or break bread with him? So the conclusion for Thomas is a common one. “I’ll believe Jesus when I see Jesus”.

The fact that other disciples and women ha seen Jesus after the resurrection meant nothing to Thomas. He would not risk putting his hope in anyone again. Have you ever felt this way about God? Good news! 8 days later, when Thomas was with the others in the meeting room, Jesus shows up. He simply says, “Peace to you”.

OUR CHALLENGES, QUESTIONS, AND COMPLAINTS DO NOT DETER THE LORD. HE WILL ALWAYS SHOW UP.

Minister Mona

PART 3 Final

It’s good to know that Jesus hears every word we speak, every complain, and every request we make!  He also hears our rants, cuss-outs as well as our thoughts and desires.  And without fanfare, He responds.  He stands with us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves and stretches His hand to assist us.

He told Thomas to “reach out” and touch his hands and his wounds so Thomas would know that Jesus really did suffer and die so that He could save our souls.  We use our hands for so many other things, (fighting, flipping off, pushing away) but Jesus Christ offers His hand to lift us up and out of our fears and doubts.

Thomas believed in Jesus before the Crucifixion, but after the Resurrection, Thomas’ belief went to another level.  He addressed Jesus as “My Lord, and my God”.  When you removed doubt, you will see Jesus for who He really is.  Doubt comes because we cannot see what’s next, or who thins could possibly work out for us.  Faith is believing that even though you can’t figure it out now, you will choose to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to get you through it. 

We believe in Jesus whom we cannot see.  Jesus told him that people who do that are blessed! Even though we have never laid eyes on Him, we believe His Word (in the Bible), and we believe the witnesses that did see Him.  This is our faith, and it can be yours as well.  We are blessed now and forever when we believe.  Keep studying the Bible.  Keep praying.  Keep believing that Jesus is with you.  You’ll see.  He will show up and bless you over and over again!!

Minister Mona