Jesus blesses those who trust Him without having seen Him, and that includes us.
“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”John 20:29 (KJV)
What does “Unseen” mean in John 20:29?
Jesus turns from Thomas to everyone who would come after, and calls them blessed. The word believed points to a settled trust that rests on the testimony of others.
Going deeper
Right after Thomas's confession, Jesus says something that looks beyond that room. Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. He is speaking about all of us. Most people who follow Jesus have never seen Him with their eyes. We believe because of the witness of those who did, the Scriptures they left, and the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus calls that kind of faith blessed.
It can feel like a disadvantage to believe without seeing. This verse turns that around. Trust that rests on His word is honored by Him. Think about how faith reached you. Someone told you, showed you, prayed for you. Give thanks for them, and ask who you might pass it on to. Someone near you may be waiting to hear from a person who has not seen, and yet believes.
Reflect
Who helped you come to faith, and who could you pass it on to?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessing of believing without seeing. Strengthen my faith, and use me to help others believe. In Jesus' name, amen.
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