Believing without "Seeing"

SOAP #17 - Believing without “Seeing”

Scripture:

Jesus said to Thomas, "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 answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:27-29 ESV

Observation:

Thomas told the other disciples he had to touch the nail marks with his own fingers before he would believe Jesus was alive. But when Jesus appeared and offered his hands to Thomas, it seems that Thomas did NOT reach out to touch the nail marks. Thomas believed, and he responded with his heart: “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said people are “blessed” who believe even though they haven’t “seen.”

Application:

How do we “see” Jesus today? Jesus calls us “blessed” if we place our trust in him without actually seeing him with our eyes. How do I obtain or develop the faith to believe in Jesus? The Bible says “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I ask You for the gift of faith. Help me “see” You with my inner being. Let my eyes focus on Jesus and sense Your presence in my life. I believe. Help my unbelief. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.