Do You Doubt the Resurrection of Jesus?

“Then He said to Thomas,” Put your finger here: see my hands, Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” John 20:27

The resurrection of Jesus was unexpected. Even the disciples thought they had lost him forever and were contemplating going back to their old way of life. Most had to see him with their own eyes to believe that he had indeed risen. The women were the first witnesses and they could not comprehend the miracle at first. Mary Magdalene thought that Christ was the gardener until he called out to her. Recognizing him she called out “Rabboni” (Teacher). She went to the disciples with the news, “I have seen the Lord” (John 20: 15-18). However, in the 1^st Century, women’s testimony was not acceptable and the disciples had to see Christ personally for them to believe it. Thomas who was not with them when Christ appeared was very obstinate in his doubt; even when the testimony came from all the other ten disciples. He said to them, “…Unless I see the nail marks on his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side I will not believe it.” John 20:25. A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and Thomas was given the opportunity of checking him out. He was totally convinced and his faith rekindled.

Do you still doubt? Doubting is not bad if it leads to deepening of our faith as we search for answers. God will always reveal the truth to those who genuinely seek him. He says, “…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ Jeremiah 29:3. However, beware because doubt can lead to a stubbornness that kills faith.

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‘If you would be a real seeker after truth,  it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.’   - Rene Descartes

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