18th Question Jesus Asks (From the Gospel of John)

Jesus commended those who believe without seeing.

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18th Question – Do You Now Believe?

Seeing is not believing; believing is seeing.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the disciples. The first time, Thomas was absent. When the other disciples told him, he retorted, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” [John 20:25].

Fortunately, Thomas didn’t have to wait long. Eight days later, Jesus reappeared when “doubting” Thomas was in the room. Jesus challenged him to feel where the nails and spear had left their marks on Him. After Thomas’ exclamation of belief, Jesus said,

 Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” [John 20:29].

The Christian life is one of faith, not sight [2 Corinthians 5:7]. Thomas saw and experienced; yet, Jesus commended those who believe without seeing.

In an earlier conversation with Jesus, the other disciples acted just like Thomas. They believed Jesus’ words after His further explanation. But, Jesus took that occasion to ask the pertinent question.

Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming…that you will be scattered…and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” [John 16:31-33, bold text added].

Response

Faith in Christ is an amazing miracle. Tested faith—faith refined in the fires of persecution, tribulation, and adversity—is characteristic of genuine, devoted, committed followers. As Job said in his personal crisis, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” [Job 13:15]. Also, Daniel’s friends demonstrated such resolute faith when they faced the choice of bowing to Nebuchadnezzar or remaining faithful to God.

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image” [Daniel 3:17-18, bold text added].

When the hour of testing arrives, may we be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” [1 Corinthians 15:58]. May we remain faithful to Jesus’ question because “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” [Romans 13:11].

 

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Nate Stevens

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About the Author

A lifelong student of Scripture, Nate Stevens has also enjoyed a banking career in a variety of leadership roles. He is the author of Matched 4 Life and Deck Time with Jesus as well as a contributing author on several of the Moments Books (Billy Graham Moments, Divine Moments, Spoken Moments, Christmas Moments, Stupid Moments, Cool-inary Moments, etc.). He writes online devotionals for ChristianDevotions.us and SingleMatters.com as well as articles for several other publications. Additionally, he leads Fusion, a Christian singles ministry he co-founded. A popular speaker and teacher at conferences, seminars and Bible study groups, he speaks on a wide variety of topics. He currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Karen, and is a proud dad of two awesome kids, Melissa and Mitchell.