Have you ever thought about what was going on a week after the Resurrection? What were the Disciples doing and how were they carrying on with their business? Could they really believe just a week ago, the tomb laid empty because Jesus had risen from the grave. Lets look into what the gospels have to say about what the twelve were doing and if they still believe.
John 20:24-29 tells us that Thomas was not with the 12 when Jesus met with them the first time. The 12 told Thomas about the first event and he said he would not believe (doubting Thomas) until he could see and touch (even put his finger in the holes where the nails were placed) the scars on Jesus.
Vs. 26 says, “a week later…”. We see here that Thomas is with the other disciples and Jesus shows up. We may doubt but Jesus will answer the doubt (it may take time so don’t get discouraged). My sub notes say this, “Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions leads to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a prideful lifestyle that doubt harms faith.”
Wow, doubt can be good if it causes us to search and we let the Lord reveal to us His plan (takes patience). When we don’t get the answer(s) we want or in the time frames we think it ought to come in, doubt can cause us to not believe and therefore say, “We don’t need God, and what has He done for me?”
Thomas believed and said, “My Lord and my God”. Jesus followed up with …blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Where are You and I? Do we believe? Are we doubting and searching or are we doubting and giving up? We must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:6)
Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of the disciples (they believed). He will do many in front of us (as we believe).
If you are doubting anything, start or keep searching the scriptures. Buddy up with a mentor and grow. Don’t become stubborn and let it turn to pride (Proverbs 16:18-19).
John 20:24-29 tells us that Thomas was not with the 12 when Jesus met with them the first time. The 12 told Thomas about the first event and he said he would not believe (doubting Thomas) until he could see and touch (even put his finger in the holes where the nails were placed) the scars on Jesus.
Vs. 26 says, “a week later…”. We see here that Thomas is with the other disciples and Jesus shows up. We may doubt but Jesus will answer the doubt (it may take time so don’t get discouraged). My sub notes say this, “Some people need to doubt before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, questions leads to answers, and the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work. It is when doubt becomes stubbornness and stubbornness becomes a prideful lifestyle that doubt harms faith.”
Wow, doubt can be good if it causes us to search and we let the Lord reveal to us His plan (takes patience). When we don’t get the answer(s) we want or in the time frames we think it ought to come in, doubt can cause us to not believe and therefore say, “We don’t need God, and what has He done for me?”
Thomas believed and said, “My Lord and my God”. Jesus followed up with …blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Where are You and I? Do we believe? Are we doubting and searching or are we doubting and giving up? We must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind (James 1:6)
Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of the disciples (they believed). He will do many in front of us (as we believe).
If you are doubting anything, start or keep searching the scriptures. Buddy up with a mentor and grow. Don’t become stubborn and let it turn to pride (Proverbs 16:18-19).
Check out I Peter 1:3-9 for extra study. It complements!!