John 20:29. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
This verse has been on my mind since I finished yesterday’s post. Was this a mild rebuke, the only one Jesus offered to Thomas? I don’t think so, because there were plenty of people who had seen Jesus’ miracles and heard His teaching, and who still did not believe. His own brothers took their time in coming to faith in Him.
I think, instead, that Jesus of course knew that down through the centuries there would be millions who would turn to Him in faith, believing, although they had not seen Him or touched His wounds. Was it a greater blessing to believe without seeing?
This doesn’t seem to be a comparative statement. Jesus did not say that those who believe without seeing will be MORE blessed. Just that they will be blessed, as Thomas was blessed.
I read several commentators in my studies, and I like what one had to say:
“The faith of Thomas becomes the climax of the book. Throughout the Gospel of John Jesus has triumphed over sickness, sin, evil men, death and sorrow. Now with Thomas, Jesus conquered unbelief.”
Guzik, Blue Letter Bible
It is the power of the Holy Spirit, after all, that opens our spiritual eyes, our hearts and minds, to the truth of the gospel. However it comes, faith to believe is a lifelong blessing to the believer.
