How can John 20:25 inspire us to trust in unseen promises of God? Thomas Speaks His Mind “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 never believe.” (John 20:25) A Moment of Honest Doubt • Thomas had walked with Jesus for years, witnessed miracles, and heard every teaching—yet after the crucifixion he wanted physical proof. • Scripture presents his words without rebuke at this point, highlighting how God records even our doubts truthfully. • The verse reminds us that faith does not cancel questions; it redirects them to the risen Christ. Why Thomas’s Words Encourage Trust • Proof came later, but the promise had already been given (John 14:19). Thomas’s delay shows God’s promises remain true even when we struggle to grasp them. • Jesus did not discard Thomas; instead, He met him, proving that God is patient with seekers. • The account was preserved so readers “may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31). Our assurance rests on eyewitness testimony recorded in Scripture, not on personal sight. Seeing the Unseen • Hebrews 11:1—“faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Doubt is answered by faith anchored in God’s character. • 2 Corinthians 4:18—“we look not at what is seen, but at what is unseen.” The resurrection scene moves us from visible wounds to invisible promises. • 1 Peter 1:8—“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him… you believe in Him and rejoice.” Thomas’s initial stance becomes the contrast that heightens our joy in believing. Practical Ways to Trust God’s Unseen Promises 1. Remember fulfilled promises—Israel’s exodus (Exodus 12–14), the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:6-7), and the empty tomb prove God keeps His word. 2. Meditate on the reliability of Scripture—“Your word, O LORD, is everlasting” (Psalm 119:89). 3. Speak truth to lingering doubt—use verses like Numbers 23:19 and Romans 8:32. 4. Fellowship with believers—Thomas missed Jesus’s first appearance because he was absent from the gathering (John 20:24). Stay connected to strengthen faith. 5. Act on what God has said—obedience often precedes understanding (John 7:17). Living the Lesson Thomas’s frank words invite us to bring every uncertainty to the risen Lord. The same Savior who showed His scars now intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). Because His resurrection is historically and scripturally certain, every promise we cannot yet see is already sure. |
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