Hope Built on Faith

Jesus’ disciples must have felt embarrassed when Christ was crucified.

For most Jews, anyone who claimed to be a disciple of a possible Messiah that failed to establish an eternal kingdom based in Jerusalem, would be embarrassed by the outcome.

Both the Jewish and Roman authorities were looking for them.

Of course, they would have been in hiding wondering what would happen next.

Jesus does not delay in comforting his disciples with his presence (Chrystosom).

It was still the resurrection day in the evening.

The disciples gathered to meet Jesus as Jesus promised to the women.

If death and a tomb stone couldn’t stop Jesus from making an appearance, neither would a locked room.

Jesus greeted his disciples with “Peace be to you.”

This let them know that their denial and abandonment was forgiven by Jesus.

Jesus had given good news of joy to comfort their sorrow. He gave good news of peace to his disciples who felt guilt over their desertion.

For Peter, this good news of peace would be especially well received because of his denial.

Only after extending peace and joy, did he tell them of his victory by the way the cross.

Thomas was not at this first meeting of Jesus with his disciples.

When the other disciples told Thomas about the meeting, Thomas conditioned his belief on physical evidence.

Jesus responded to Thomas’ initial absence and doubt by providing another meeting.

It may be an act of divine grace that Thomas was not at the first meeting.

It is to our benefit that Thomas asked to touch Jesus as he offered.

We might believe that Jesus was only resurrected as spirit instead of a glorified body.

The resurrected body of Jesus is the same body that died, now glorified.

It is often overlooked that Thomas showed up to the next meeting.

If Thomas had no doubt about Jesus being dead, he would not have showed up.

After Jesus met Thomas’ conditions, allowing Thomas to touch his hands and side,

it was Thomas who first exclaimed Jesus Christ as “My Lord and my God!”

Simply because Thomas could touch Jesus, does not mean that Thomas would automatically believe that Jesus was “Lord” and “God,” those are statements of faith.

Thomas doubted something that doesn’t naturally happen, and probably so did the others.

Thankfully, Thomas did come to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and God once he could touch him.

Maybe Thomas wasn’t the only one who doubted.

Later, in 1 John, it was revealed that others touched Jesus as well.

Who wouldn’t try to hold and hug someone they thought was dead but is alive?

Christ made his last Beatitude, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Not everyone got to see Jesus’ resurrected body, including those who would read the Gospel of John, including us today.

Like Thomas, some of us remain skeptical until our own senses are engaged.

But, demonstrating that someone is physically present does not prove divine presence.

Physical evidence does not require faith, developing spiritual senses does.

It is much more difficult to believe in something when we can’t see/touch it.

Thomas had an immediate sense of the Risen Christ as his faith came to immediate affect upon touching Christ.

Hopefully, we don’t require such extremely unlikely evidence to believe.

Christ did promise to return one day but only once all who would believe in him would do so.

If you are waiting for Christ to return to believe in him, your will be waiting too long.

Don’t wait for more evidence of God’s loving-grace, he has provided the way, believe, and walk in the way.

God will enable you to hold onto faith even while you may still have doubts.

Doubt may arise when we or our loved ones suffer.

The disciples had their doubts, yet Jesus still bolstered their faith, providing them assurance, and empowered them with his Spirit.

It is important for us to remember that Jesus is present even in our suffering; even when it doesn’t feel like it.

If we hold to faith in Jesus Christ, even while we yet suffer in this life, we will receive the outcome of our faith, salvation of our souls.

Three things about meeting with Jesus Christ:

The first day of the week.

Provided an opportunity to experience the Risen Christ Jesus.

Provided an opportunity to receive peace, joy, and empowerment to witness of the resurrection of Christ.

Christ imparted to them the breath of his Spirit in preparation for the fuller impartation for all of his disciples on Pentecost.

They received the breath of the Spirit to lead others in holiness and encourage them to wait for the fullness of the Spirit at Pentecost.

The restored Peter wrote of the new birth and living hope that all believers in the Risen Christ.

New birth extended to believers by the mercy of God.

Those who believe in the Risen Christ receive a Living hope that they will be transformed as Christ was resurrected.

This “inheritance” is kept by God, and therefore is always available.

No matter our suffering or doubt, God keeps his way of life open for all that continue to have faith in him.

Far from being a source of embarrassment, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ is a source of Hope and empowerment for those who believe in him.