LD 17 Thomas and Jesus

After Jesus' death and resurrection Thomas had a choice - whether or not to continue believing in him. We may face a similar choice. He had plenty evidence to lead him to continue in faith - his many experiences of Jesus, the predictions Jesus had given, and the testimony of eye-witnesses. Hurt and fear made it difficult for him, but faith should overcome these. He demanded a new experience before he would continue. It underlined the choice we also have between basing faith on scriptural evidence or basing it on an experience. The risen Jesus graciously met him. Thomas was transformed. That happens to some believers, but others are like the two on the road to Emmaus who saw Jesus only in the scriptures. Jesus acknowledged Thomas' faith while noting its limitations. How wonderful that he acknowledges weak faith! Faith, of course, is always in Christ - we cannot persuade ourselves to believe in something he has not promised and call that 'faith'. And faith's reward may come much later - as in the case of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Hebrews 11). Jesus responds to faith by doing what he has promised - pardon, adoption, the Holy Spirit, resurrection, etc. It is a common mistake to wait till we experience a change of heart before we will believe in Jesus - that is putting matters back to front. A special blessing awaits those who "have not seen yet have believed". One reason: "them that honour me I will honour".