But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! Isaiah 53:5 (TLB)
Betrayed, deserted, mocked, beaten—Jesus endured extreme mental and physical pain. Then crucified on a cross. An execution reserved for criminals. Such a humiliating death served as a warning to all witnesses. For Jesus’ followers, it was a horrible end to such a hope-filled life. Until…..
Up from the grave He arose. Jesus rose from the dead. He triumphed over wounds inflicted upon His flesh. He defeated the sorrow of betrayal and desertion. He conquered death with His resurrection. For a time, Jesus the Overcomer walked on earth proving His victory to His followers. What had appeared hopeless had became hopeful. So why would anyone doubt His power over sin and death?
Thomas, one of Jesus’ own disciples, doubted. But why? He had walked with the Lord Jesus and seen His miracles. He had served with the disciples and heard Jesus’ many messages. He had been part of the group for three years. Why would he doubt what his friends were telling him about Jesus’ resurrection?
Most likely fear drove Thomas to hide when the Lord Jesus was betrayed and killed. An emotional letdown probably flooded his soul when he heard Jesus died. Quite possibly he wondered if God had forsaken all of Jesus’ followers. He likely felt abandoned. Maybe he thought Jesus’ mission was useless. What life experiences caused Thomas to doubt the authenticity of Jesus and His Word? Why would he not believe what others told him? Had someone shattered his dreams prior to this horrendous execution?
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of His followers. They saw Him and they believed. They repeatedly told Thomas that the Lord lived. They had seen Him. But Thomas refused to believe. He said, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands—and put my fingers into them—and place my hand into his side.”
Eventually Thomas gathered with the disciples inside locked doors. While they met together, Jesus showed up, greeting them all. He specifically addressed Thomas saying, “Put your finger into my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas said (John 20:25-28).
Thomas’ doubt immediately turned to belief. Can you hear his sincere cry? Do you feel his emotional release? Now he believed with faith and received God’s grace. Touching Jesus’ wounds had healed Thomas’ wounds.
It’s been said that seeing is believing. Even Jesus said to Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.” (verse 29)
We live post resurrection. We didn’t witness any of Jesus’ appearances but witnesses have told in detail what they saw. It’s recorded in the Bible. Do you believe or do you doubt?
Jesus says if you believe without seeing, you are blessed. Have no doubt, but have faith. Keep believing and receive the healing power of our Overcomer.
If you doubt, why? Have you experienced the deep wounds of betrayal, loneliness, mental and physical afflictions, heartache? Do troubles consume your life, trapping you within, and without a Savior?
You are not alone. Jesus experienced many of those same human afflictions. But He overcame them all. The Savior of the world defeated sin and death. Believe in Him and receive His gracious mercy.
By His wounds, we are healed.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Mark 11:22 (NIV)
