John 20:25 – The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see… I will not believe.
Thomas – “Doubting Thomas” is how we think of him. Like Thomas, there are many today that still say “Except I shall see…I will not believe.” They have resurrection doubt.
Thomas’ suspicion was evident (vs. 25). He doubted the united testimony of the disciples, as well as what Jesus had promised – that He would rise again from the dead (Matt. 20:18-19). His doubt was not a problem of the mind but of the heart and will. He said, “I will not believe” (vs. 25).
The scarcity of Thomas didn’t help his doubt (vs. 24). Had he not missed the meeting, he wouldn’t have missed Jesus Christ. It matters little if he missed because of fear, fury, or maybe he simply folded and quit! For whatever reason, he was not there when Jesus came.
Thomas was a sincere skeptic however, because he came back eight days later. When the Lord appeared “in the midst” (vs. 26) Thomas’ belief was prompt, personal (“My Lord”), and proper (“My God” – declaring Jesus as God). But it is the words of Jesus that should get our attention. It is after Thomas sees the Lord that Jesus says “be not faithless, but believing” (vs. 27). Belief is still demanded after one sees. The old adage “seeing is believing” is not really true. Faith in what one sees is still necessary.
For the honest skeptic like Thomas, revealed truth is embraced and received. For the dishonest skeptic, cynicism and incredulity win the day. To them there will never be enough proof; they will always doubt.
If you are a doubting Thomas take heed. Go where Jesus is likely to appear – church, the Bible, the prayer closet etc… It will help you dispel resurrection doubt!
