April 18 | Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 3–5; Luke 14:25–35

To Believe

These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. John 20:31

READ John 20:24–31

“Loch Ness Monster Caught on Camera” exclaimed the article headline, reporting how the webcam of a “Monster Spotter” had picked up a “very large dark shape” swimming across Loch Ness. It was big enough to be considered the fifth official “sighting” of Nessie that year. But one person, considering the low quality of the footage, commented, “I want this to be Nessie, but I reckon it’s natural phenomena.”

I wonder if Thomas had his own “I want this, but I reckon” moment when the disciples reported, “We have seen the Lord!” (John 20:25). Despite Jesus’ empty tomb, Thomas needed evidence, saying emphatically: “I will not believe” (v. 25). Thomas wasn’t unreasonable in doubting Jesus’ resurrection. After all, his friends’ story probably sounded just as fanciful to him as a monster in a Scottish loch would to us. But then Jesus showed up. Understanding Thomas’ doubts, Jesus wanted to deepen his faith in Him and to strengthen their relationship (v. 27).

We may have our own “I want this, but I reckon” questions about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection—or even of His love for us. We can trust that just as Jesus turned up for Thomas, He’ll reveal Himself to us too. As we dwell in the Scriptures, our faith will be strengthened so “that [we] may believe” (v. 31). Then we will gain the confidence to respond: “My Lord and my God” (v. 28).

By Chris Wale

How do you feel about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection? Who could help you explore Scripture more deeply in these areas?

Lord God, thank You for knowing and understanding my doubts and questions. Where my faith feels small and weak, strengthen me with Your presence and the truth of Your Word.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)—so-named because they contain many of the same events in the same order—tell us nothing about Thomas except to list him as one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). It’s only in John’s gospel where we learn more about his interactions with Jesus (John 11:14–16; 14:5–6; 20:24–29; 21:1–14). In John 11:16 , he’s called “Thomas (also known as Didymus).” Thomas is his Hebrew name; Didymus is his Greek name, which means “Twin.” So some translations render his name as “Thomas, the Twin” (NLT, ESV, NKJV). John presents him as a devout believer in Jesus. Because Lazarus had died, Jesus wanted to go back into Judea for his funeral (11:14). Earlier the Jews had tried to stone Jesus to death (10:31, 39), so it was dangerous for Him to go into Judea. Thomas showed raw devotion to Christ when he urged his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus” (11:16 NLT).