John 20:26-31

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’” vs. 29

Because Thomas has been known as the doubting disciple, he’s a favorite for those who struggle with doubts in their faith journey. In reality though, John tells us that Thomas became a believer because he saw the Risen Jesus face to face. In other words, he got lucky! For the rest of us, it’s not so easy. We are among the countless millions of people who have come to believe in spite of not having seen Jesus! We are the ones for whom John wrote his gospel. He crafted the whole book, from beginning to end, in order that we, like Thomas, might come to believe.

Why did he do that? Well, he explains it as best he can with the words, “that through believing, they may have life in his name.” John was convinced with all his heart that there were benefits in believing that Jesus is the Messiah, and those who have come to believe will most certainly agree. 

It isn’t that believing gives us a ticket on the Heavenly Express, that one day we will be rewarded for having come to faith! No, the blessings of believing are contained in the believing itself! Believing means being alive to the wonders of creation and the beauty of love. Believing is belonging, being a part of a faith community that will stand with us through suffering and joy for all of our days.

Thought for the Day: How has believing blessed me?