Doubt

In John 20:24-28 (KJV) Some of the disciples advise Thomas that Jesus has risen from the dead, and he doesn't believe them. He tells them he will not believe it until he sees the print of the nails on Jesus' hands, he can put his finger into the print of the nails, and can thrust his hand into Jesus' side. After hearing this, Jesus came and stood near Thomas, and told  him to see and touch the nail prints and the hole in His side. Thomas was then convinced that this was Jesus and that He had indeed risen from the dead.

When Jesus walked the earth there were doubters regarding who He truly was. Despite the fact that many people had witnessed the magnificent things He'd done, and had talked with Him face to face, there were many who still refused to believe Him. It is even more difficult for skeptics of today who have not seen Jesus firsthand, or talked with Him face to face to be convinced of who He is. Jesus tells Thomas in John 20:29 (KJV) "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." It doesn't take much faith to believe in something or someone you have seen with your own eyes.

John Chapters 19 and 20 (KJV) tell of the crucifixion of Jesus, and His resurrection. There were a number of witnesses to Jesus' life on earth. There were a number of witnesses to His crucifixion, and there were a number of witnesses who confirmed He had risen from the dead. There were witnesses who saw and talked with Him during a forty day period after His resurrection. These events are all documented, yet there are still many doubters, and many who simply refuse to believe.

Some people have no problem believing that Jesus walked the earth, and that He was crucified, but refuse to believe that He rose from the dead. In John 19:40 (KJV) we are informed that Jesus' body was wound in linen clothes with spices before being placed in the tomb. Notice here the use of the word wound which indicates  His body was wrapped securely. Matthew 27:66 (KJV) tells us that after He was placed in the tomb it was sealed with a stone, and guarded to prevent anyone from taking His body. The non-believers feared that someone would steal Jesus' body in order to convince people He had risen from the dead.

John 20:1-8 (KJV) tells us that on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion Mary Magdelene goes to the tomb where Jesus' body was laid and finds it empty. She runs to tell Peter who follows her back there along with another disciple. What they found at the tomb, was the stone at the entrance pushed back, and only the linen cloth Jesus' body had been wrapped in, and the napkin that had been placed over His face inside.

This event was witnessed and documented, and yet there are still many doubters, who say Jesus' body was stolen. Let's consider a few points regarding Jesus' Resurrection. One, He didn't need to roll that stone away in order to get out of the tomb, He rolled it away in order for witnesses to get in. Two, do you honestly believe that thieves who were stealing the body of one who had so much attention  focused on Him would have taken the time to unwrap it before stealing it? Three,  if the disciples had not seen Jesus and talked with Him after the resurrection and  known for a fact that He had risen the third day as He stated He would, why would they go about preaching the word of God risking torment and death for a Man who lied to them and was a fraud?

Friends I encourage you to consider these truths. Failing to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the greatest mistake anyone could ever make, and the consequences are eternal. If you have the desire in your heart to accept Christ as your personal Savior, simply go to God in prayer, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins, tell Him you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and that He rose again. If you believe these things in your heart, and confess them with your mouth to God in prayer, you will be saved. You will find this is the greatest decision you will ever make, and you can rest knowing that you will spend eternal life in Heaven with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.