We continue our study of the Gospel of John. Picking up at verse 24, of Chapter 20, the Apostle writes:
“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘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.’ A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God! Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen Me, you believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.’ John 20: 24-31
“Doubting Thomas” is a name that has been attached many times to one who may doubt. But sometimes, a little doubt has been profitable. For instance, Thomas did not say he would not believe, he simply said, “Unless I see… I will not believe.” He did not leave the Team, he just said he needed more. Searching for answers can often be a good thing – the main thing is to remain open to what you find in your search. Believing without seeing is the position most of us have, but if we are sincerely looking with an open mind we will often have one of those “AHA’, moments.
John said, things were written for us so that we may believe, and that we may have life in the name of Jesus. As we get into the Word, and look for truth, the Holy Spirit will bring those “AHA’ moments in ways that will change our lives forever. I remember the moment that changed my life like it was yesterday. It was over 50 years ago. I don’t recall the scripture, I just know what it did. The Word says, “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul, and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.
The Written Word is the Word that changes lives. John said “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you many have life in His name.”
There is power beyond our comprehension in the written Word for it is Christ.. Let us stand fast on it as we face the Caronavirus that seems to be attacking the world. Let us put our faith in the promises that are in the Word. Let us know without a doubt that we have and live in abundant life as we believe and walk in faith in the name of Jesus, standing on and living in the written Word.