HOLY JESUS, TRUSTING THOMAS

Written by Jon Panter, onPrinciple Cohort Alum

While visiting an ancient home that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem, I was transported through time.

This old stone house sits near the top of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – it’s been in the same Palestinian family for generations, going back over 1,000 years; famous figures from the Crusade even stayed there.

I was invited there by family members who are also board members of the Jerusalem International YMCA. They showed us the view of the city, reminding us we were above the place where Christians gather from around the world to remember the crucified Jesus.

Here I am, seeing proof of the crucifixion of our Holy Savior, and I began to think of Thomas, one of the 12 apostles.

He would not believe the other disciples without additional proof that the crucified Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

What must Jesus think? One of his disciples does not believe the witness of friends?

Would you have been like Thomas too?

Jesus knows that his time on earth is soon finished and that His followers must carry forward his mission without the physical proof of Him, so Jesus uses Thomas as an example.

Thomas is a great believer but is still disheartened that Jesus is no longer alive.

When the resurrected Jesus does appear to Thomas, showing the marks from the nails in his hands and feet, Thomas responds finally with trust.

Jesus states, however, that those who believe without proof will be more blessed; today, we must all believe without the physical presence of Christ.

The Lord knows his holy message must be carried from generation to generation by those of great faith, by those who were not present for his teachings.

It is a comforting peace to know that the Spirit of Jesus is always present with us at work and home, helping us trust, even without his physical presence.

As Christian leaders, we must make decisions that affect others and take risks without knowing the correct path.

If we trust in the resurrected Christ and pray for peace and guidance, we can believe that He is with us in Spirit, even when we cannot see Him.

Would you pray with me?

May the Holy Spirit of the resurrected Jesus be with you, may you have faith and peace in Him and rely on Him today and every day in your work, in your life, and your walk with God.