April 7, 1999

FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
The truth is strong enough
to stand up to doubt
___ John 20:19-29
___By Thomas Lea
___Southwestern Seminary
___How much evidence do you demand for believing someone's claims? Will their verbal testimony be enough for you? Do you require visible evidence of the claim?
___Thomas was someone who required more objective evidence than others in order to accept Jesus' resurrection. Jesus did not reject Thomas because he doubted. He commended Thomas for the belief he finally professed. He blessed those who did not require the same evidence as Thomas. Our lesson this week shows how Jesus can help relieve the honest doubts of seekers.
___ Fear relieved (John 20:19-23). The locked doors in verse 19 demonstrate the fear of the disciples. The appearance of Jesus produced peace and encouragement. As he showed his hands and sides to the disciples, they became convinced that the risen Lord was the same Lord they had known. Jesus made three statements to the disciples.
___First, he sent them on mission as his representatives (v. 21). Second, he promised the power of the Holy Spirit for their ministry (v. 22). Scholars differ over whether the disciples received the Spirit at this moment or whether this is a preview of the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2:1-4. Third, the disciples' proclamation of the gospel would produce forgiveness for some and hardening and rejection by others (v. 23).
___ Doubt revealed (John 20:24-25). Thomas had been absent during Jesus' earlier appearance. He now demanded evidence that the body of Jesus he had previously known was the same body he now saw.
___The other disciples had received that type of evidence in Thomas's absence (v. 20). Their testimony of Jesus' resurrection did not erase his doubts. He asked for the ability to see and touch the risen Jesus.
___The disciples did not reject Thomas in his doubting. Those who find faith less difficult should accept and aid those who struggle with doubts.
___ Doubt resolved (John 20:26-29). A week later Jesus again appeared to his disciples with Thomas present (v. 26). He offered to let Thomas touch his wounded body and called him to faith (v. 27). The text does not make clear whether or not Thomas touched Jesus. It announces his response: "My Lord and my God" (v. 28).
___Jesus' response to Thomas provides an example for Christians to follow in dealing with honest questions about Christianity. We can share with those who have doubts how we have found help in resolving our own questions.
___Jesus' words in verse 29 are probably not a rebuke. Jesus embraces both those who require compelling evidence for faith and those who respond with less objective evidence. He commends those who do not require the evidence for faith which Thomas demanded.
___Honest doubters can find strength from Jesus when they throw themselves on him for help with their doubt. Christians can help this process by providing encouragement toward faith for those who struggle with doubt.

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