Without Seeing

‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ – These were the words of Thomas when the other students of Jesus told him that the Messiah had come back to life.

Thomas was one of Jesus’ close and committed students.

Thomas had seen Him perform signs/miracles proving He was the Son of God.

Thomas had heard His teachings and knew of His death.

And yet, when his brothers in faith shared the good news of their Messiah’s resurrection, he refused to believe it was true.

When Jesus arrived in the room where His students were gathered, He held his hands out for Thomas to touch, saying, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe.’

Thomas, in awe that a man who was once dead now stood before him, exclaimed, ‘My Lord and my God!’

Thomas finally believed.

Jesus’ ensuing comment is sobering. ‘You have believed because you have seen me,’ he says, ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

What is Jesus talking about?

Does He want blind faith?

After all, blessed are those who believe without seeing.

Does He want me to not see Him, not feel Him, not know Him, and simply believe?

No, believing without seeing is not blind faith. And I am not Thomas.

Thomas and his fellow students had more proof of Jesus’ truth than anyone else.

He knew Jesus was the son of God.

He knew Jesus could conquer death; He had proven this on three different occasions.

He had every reason to trust the disciples conveying the good news to him.

But he still wanted more. He needed to touch the wounds.

Did he simply miss what His teacher was all about? Was the idea of a resurrection too incomprehensible?

Perhaps Thomas was lacking confidence in Jesus.

What about me?

I can’t touch His wounds.

I didn’t see His miracles.

Am I doomed to believe blindly without evidence?

No.

I think this is what Jesus meant when talking about those who believe without seeing.

I don’t see Jesus in front of me, but I have evidence that He is who He says He is.

His response to Thomas explains that those who do not have the same privilege as Thomas can still believe by taking this evidence seriously.

Jesus’ divinity showed itself through His actions. I see creation, I see myself, I read the writings of eyewitnesses who knew Jesus personally.

No, this is not believing blindly. This is learning about God, knowing that based on the evidence provided, a resurrection is possible, and taking a leap of faith despite not touching His wounds.

And just like Thomas, I stand here in awe, whispering, ‘My Lord and my God!’