Week 24, Day 1: Doubting Thomas

Today’s Reading:  John 21:1-25; 1 John 1:1-10

Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…

We often hear about “doubting Thomas”, and we are often hard on him for requiring the proof of seeing Jesus, and putting his fingers into the holes of Jesus’ hands and feet.  But, perhaps we need to reconsider our harsh judgment, and examine what John records for us in a bit more detail.

Thomas heard the testimony of the other disciples, but was unwilling to believe it until he saw the evidence for himself.  Once he saw the Lord for himself, he readily accepted that this was Christ and that He had been raised from the dead.  Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for wanting to see the evidence, but rather said that those who believed without seeing Him would be blessed. Jesus did not, however, say that He wanted people to believe without evidence.  In fact, if we follow the context, the very next thing that John writes about is the evidence that was supplied in the very epistle that he was writing.  The things that he wrote about were for the purpose of providing evidence for those who would never have the benefit of touching the holes in Jesus’ hands and side.

Thomas could have accepted the testimony of the other disciples.  He probably should have accepted that testimony, and believed in the resurrection of Christ.  But, he required more evidence.  We need to require evidence before we believe.  God has provided ample evidence for belief in two basic ways:  the revelation of the created world, and the revelation of the written word.  We can examine the evidence that has been left for us and conclude that Jesus is indeed raised from the dead, and that He has left us with commands that we must follow if we are to be faithful to Him.

There is nothing wrong with asking for evidence.  In fact, more people in the religious world should do just that.  They should ask for evidence to support claims of modern day healing.  They should ask for evidence to support doctrines that are so prevalent in the world today.  The sad fact is, that there is no evidence to support those things.  We should accept those things that have evidence to support them, and do away with all the “religious” practices and beliefs that have no supporting evidence!