02 02 09 Give ’em the Evidence

“Thomas was one of the Twelve. He was called Didymus. He was not with the other disciples when Jesus came. So they told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘First I must see the nail marks in his hands. I must put my finger where the nails were. I must put my hand into his side. Only then will I believe what you say.’ A week later, Jesus' disciples were in the house again. Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them. He said, ‘May peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here. See my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him; ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.’" (John 20:24-29 NIrV)

Thomas couldn’t believe the others. He had to see Jesus for himself. He simply had to see Him with his own eyes. Jesus knew this also and went back to the disciples a week later. He provided what Thomas needed to believe. He did not give up on Thomas. He doesn’t give up on us.

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He called Zacchaeus down from the tree. He made a visit to see Thomas. He called out to you and to me in our hiding places...in our doubt....in our ignorance. He came to us.

Here is our question: Are we seeking those who need to see Jesus? Are going out or staying in? Are we seeking others who need to see, feel, and touch Jesus; or are we satisfied with the fact that we have been rescued?

Here is our challenge: Keep bringing people to Jesus. Seek out the stranger in line, the neighbor in the driveway, or the relative at the birthday party. Let others feel him as we perform kind acts. Let co-workers constantly hear Him in our speech. Let children feel His touch through our hands. Let store clerks experience Him in our friendship. Invite neighbors into our homes to become familiar with His fellowship. Let parents from school feel His compassion in our sincere words of concern and how we react to others’ needs.

Doubting people have a need to see, touch, experience Jesus today…much like Thomas. Even believers need to be reassured that He still cares and is wiling to reach down and touch a hurt. People from every background, of every age, and from every culture need to see concrete proof that God (Jesus) is alive and well! We are living proof (Romans 12:1-2). Let’s give ’em the evidence!