Patience to the Doubter

Intro

Story of being a kid and walking over a water moccasin, at least I think it was

We all deal with doubt but thankfully God has patience

Over the next few weeks we are covering the happenings after the resurrection and before the ascension

Doubting Thomas

Thomas kind of gets a bad wrap, the other disciples doubted as well, however, they didn’t have witnesses to testify

John 20:2 ESV

So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

Luke 24:10–11 ESV

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.

Luke 24:22–24 ESV

Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

Luke 24:41 ESV

And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”

Thomas was not the only doubter but we do get closer look at his thoughts and transformation.

John 20:24–29 ESV

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas would not be tricked by apparitions but needed to touch the marks from the nails and into Jesus’ side, not just touching Jesus’ side, placing his hand inside Jesus’ side.

God’s Patience

All through this I see God’s love, mercy, and grace. Let’s first talk about the marks of the crucifixion.

The marks of the nails and spear where still on Jesus. Why was that part of the glorified body?

Notice there weren’t other signs from the crucifixion, His face was not mangled, He didn’t have a crown of thorns.

He continued to bear the marks that led to death.

Remember Revelation 4 and the one who was worthy to open the scroll, it was the Lamb who was slain

The marks did not limit Jesus. What brought Him to death no longer had a hold on Him.

These were marks of victory.

These were marks of love. They showed how far Jesus went to bring us life.

Now, here was Thomas. He had been with Jesus, he heard the same teachings as everyone else, he fled when Jesus was arrested like everyone else, he wanted Jesus to be alive, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe until he saw it for himself. Of course Jesus knew Thomas’ struggle and when He appeared to Thomas He immediately invited him to touch those marks and place his hand in Jesus’ side.

Imagine for a moment being Thomas. You loved Jesus and you were committed to the mission. But then Jesus was taken and put to death. What could this possibly mean as to who Jesus was? What are we supposed to do now? But then there is word of His resurrection. It sounds great but that’s a tough one to chew. Then Jesus shows up in the room, looks you square in the face, and invites you to touch the marks in His hands and side. No doubt there would be some disbelief that this is actually happening, you look around at others to see if they are seeing and hearing the same thing, but you’re certainly not going to pass up the opportunity.

Then can you imagine the relief and the sorrow after touching the nail marks. Such great relief and joy would flood through you because Jesus is actually alive. It actually happened. But then the sorrow that you didn’t believe in the beginning. You put a limit on what Jesus could do.

But here was the patience and love of Jesus, He invited Thomas and gave him what he needed to believe. All that Jesus had been through; leaving heaven to come to earth, suffering in the hands of the people He loved, and giving up His life, Jesus continued to be patient and pour out His love on His followers.

Where is your doubt?

So I ask you today, where is your doubt?

Maybe you doubt that Jesus actually rose from the dead, people doubted who were right there to see it.

Maybe you doubt that Jesus could actually love you. Surely He loves the world, but you are just one of the many, He doesn’t know you by name, didn’t form you together in your mother’s womb.

Maybe you doubt that God’s ways are better than your ways. Of course, you would never say that but that’s honestly how you live.

Maybe you doubt God can heal your wounds so you’ve never fully opened up to Him. The shame you have felt, the sorrow, the pain, the agony, surely God doesn’t want to be bothered with me.

Look at how Jesus dealt with His disciples, with Thomas. See the love Jesus had to even continue to bear the marks that we put there. Would you trust Jesus today? Would you bring Him your doubt and allow His love, forgiveness, patience to wash over you?