Devotional—To Believe Is to See

Thomas, remembered as “the doubter,” missed the moment when the risen Jesus appeared to the other disciples.

So the other disciples told [Thomas], “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” John 20:25 NRSVUE

We sometimes find ourselves in Thomas’s shoes. Others seem to experience God’s presence more vividly. We may feel left out, questioning why Jesus hasn’t shown himself to us in the same way.

Thomas could not make himself believe. He needed Jesus to come to him. And that is exactly what Jesus did.

Eight days later, the risen Christ came to Thomas and invited Thomas to touch his wounds. Thomas’ response was powerful: “My Lord and my God!” It was a Spirit-given confession of who Jesus truly is: Lord and God.

Jesus then declared, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29).

We do not see Jesus physically as Thomas did. Yet God has not left us to create belief and trust for ourselves. We don’t always have to see to believe. Faith does not come by sight alone; faith is a gift from God.

Jesus meets us in our questions and doubts, and by his Spirit gives us faith to confess with Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

Prayer

Our heavenly Father, thank you for giving your Son who heals us. Jesus thatnk you for sharing your faith with us and revealing the Father. Holy Spirit, sustain us daily in faithful trust and obedience. Amen.

Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro, Pastor
Quezon City, Philippines