What does "blessed are those who have not seen" teach about true belief? Setting the Scene John 20 recounts the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples. Thomas, absent at the first appearance, insists, “Unless I see … I will never believe” (v. 25). A week later the Lord stands before him, invites Thomas to touch His wounds, and Thomas responds, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). Then comes the pivotal word: “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ ” (John 20:29) What “Blessed” Conveys • Far more than a passing compliment—Jesus pronounces a divine favor. • The term marks an enduring spiritual happiness anchored in God’s approval, not in circumstances (cf. Psalm 1:1). True Belief Defined 1. Trusting Christ apart from physical proof. 2. Grounding confidence in His word rather than in sight or touch. 3. Receiving the same saving relationship Thomas gained, but without the sensory evidence Thomas demanded. Why Sight Is Not Required • Scripture itself supplies eyewitness testimony (John 20:30-31). • Faith, by nature, “is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). • God delights to be believed on the basis of His character and promises. Supporting Passages • 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” • 1 Peter 1:8-9 — “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him… and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” • Romans 10:17 — “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” These verses echo the same principle: genuine faith rests on God’s revealed word. Why This Faith Is Blessed • It honors God’s testimony. Believing His word declares Him trustworthy. • It opens the door to life: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ… and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). • It brings joy now, not merely later (1 Peter 1:8). Practical Implications Today • Read and rely on Scripture; there we “see” the risen Christ. • Resist the demand for continual new signs; trust what God has already made plain. • Share testimony—the written and the personal—to invite others into blessed belief. The risen Lord calls us blessed when we stake everything on His word alone. |
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