We have a saying, “Seeing is believing”. The saying is a reminder to use a little caution when someone tells us something. We should not always believe everything we’re told. The more important the claim, the more diligent we ought to be to verify the claim before accepting it. For example, it would be unwise to buy a house without first inspecting it to see whether it is worth the asking price. Many people have been swindled because they did not take the time to verify what the seller told them.
However, there is a time when demanding more proof does not demonstrate appropriate caution, but an inexcusable lack of faith. The Apostle Thomas was guilty of this when he was told about Jesus rising from the dead. Scripture says, “When the other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord, he declared, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”” (John 20:25 NIV)
At first this looks like commendable caution. But when we take a broader look at this incident, a different picture emerges. Thomas had witnessed Jesus perform countless miracles – including raising people from the dead. Thomas had personally heard Jesus say that He would be killed and that He would rise from the dead on the third day. Thomas knew the character of the men who reported Jesus’ resurrection to him, that they were trustworthy. Yet, in spite of all the evidence, Thomas refused to believe until he had personally seen the resurrected Jesus with his own eyes. “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 NIV)
How much evidence do we need to believe the claims of Christ? Some people say, “If only I could go back in time and see Jesus for myself! If only I could see the miracles myself, I would believe!” No you wouldn’t. We have even more evidence than Thomas did. If you won’t accept the testimony of a former skeptic like Thomas, then it is not likely that you would believe even if you could see Jesus for yourself. As Jesus pointed out in one of His parables, “…If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:31 NIV)
Thomas’ faith became so strong that he gave his life for Christ. Will we believe, or will we insist that we still need to see more evidence?