Jesus' disciples were not easily convinced. When they heard the excited testimony of the women who had been to the empty tomb, "they did not believe them" (Luke 24:11). And when Jesus suddenly appeared to them that evening, "they still did not believe for joy, and marveled" (v.41). They were so overjoyed and stunned at the sight of their risen Lord that they questioned their own senses.

Some time later, when Jesus appeared to His disciples in Galilee, even then "some doubted" (Matthew 28:17). This group likely included those followers who were seeing the resurrected Savior for the first time (1 Corinthians 15:6). Before worshiping Him, they had to be sure they weren't seeing a phantom.

I am glad the Bible records that the disciples were skeptical, for it proves that they were not easily fooled. As a result, their testimony carries more weight. Their desire for proof helps us to be sure that Jesus actually did rise from the dead. It also assures us that God doesn't want us to be gullible, and that He can bring sturdy faith out of doubt. Even His gentle rebuke of Thomas evoked a firm confession: "My Lord and My God!" (John 20:28). I'm thankful for these former skeptics, aren't you?  — Herbert Vander Lugt