See Without Seeing

     Please read John 20:19-31.  When we think about the disciples certain ones come to mind as do their traits, Thomas was the doubter.  He struggled to believe.  It seems to me that almost every big thought embraces some doubt.  Yes, Thomas doubted, but is that such a bad thing?  He wanted physical proof.  We know all too well the expression, “Seeing is believing” and maybe there’s something good in that. As we know, every word of Scripture is meaningful, so this doubt had a purpose.  

     When Thomas learned about Jesus’ appearance, he questioned his friends.  He doubted the resurrection because he did not see Jesus.  The others saw Jesus, wasn’t that good enough?  Frankly, all things considered, he was looking for nothing more in the way of evidence than what every other disciple received. 

     What good does it do for us to know Thomas doubted?  For one, it’s relatable. Because of his example, we are more comfortable talking candidly about our struggles of faith and the hurdles of trust.  Thomas’ emotions mirrored the messiness of our own lives.  In addition, we witness Jesus’ patience with doubt, which offers us reassurance.  

      Because of Thomas’ doubt, Jesus offered proof.  Church, where are you today?  Jesus says to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see and yet believed.”  As believers the Spirit has poured God’s love into us.  The Spirit unites us to Christ.  Yet, being completely transparent, I believe that our faith can waver, it’s like a muscle that we need to exercise.  Some might say, I have faith, wounded faith, but faith, nonetheless.  Elie Wiesel, an Auschwitz prisoner, is known for his description of his faith.  He says, "My tradition teaches that no heart is as whole as a broken heart, and I would say that no faith is as solid as a wounded faith."  This is where Thomas and countless of us stand today.  Our broken hearts and wounded faith strengthen us, trusting in God who has repeatedly reaches for us, protects us, draws near to us and saves us.  

     As I have said before, nothing in Scripture is there without purpose.  Without explanation, Jesus stood before them and extended peace to them; a peace that set forgiveness on course.   When he breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples, he transferred his mission to them and called them to new life. It is the Holy Spirit which accompanied the disciples, and the Spirit which resides in us on our faith journey.

     I heard this illustration comparing faith to a old wooden bucket.  Appearing useless because the wood dried out causing gaps, a young man attempted to toss it, but an older, wiser man took it, tied it to a fastened rope and dropped it into a well.  They left it alone for several days.  When they came back and pulled the bucket from the water. It was full of well water; it was no longer leaking.  The water had re-hydrated the wood and the bucket was useful again.  This is our faith.  We acknowledge our moments of doubt and then through our trials we lean into God and His Word to reassure us.  

     Friends, Thomas didn't believe what the disciples told him.  I think we can all agree that he wasn’t trying to be difficult; he simply had to see before he could believe.  Maybe you sit here today confident in believing even though you haven’t seen…or maybe you sit here in a bit of doubt with troubles that you’re sorting through…trying to discern the path set before you.  Life is not simple, times are uncertain, and through scripture Thomas exemplified that.  The jewel in this is that when Jesus showed up, there was no judgment or shame, there was no reprimand, Jesus simply gave Thomas what he needed.  Jesus gives us what we need, not what we want…what we need.  All knowing, he supplies our every need.

     Thomas’ faith journey offers us hope and calls us to service.  His doubt empowers us to be honest and vulnerable.  Working through our doubts ushers us to deeper faith.  As we face the truths of those emotions our wounded faith heals, bringing us into a closer relationship with Jesus through the Spirit.   

     Finally, Jesus told the disciples, “I am sending you.”  We are also sent.  We are the hands and feet of Christ and our need to share the good news of Resurrection morning in word and deed wherever we go.  Don’t keep your doors locked, don’t be afraid, work through your doubts and go and tell!  And all God’s people say, amen!

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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