Within Reach of Jesus

Matthew 20:19-30
What would it take for you to believe in Jesus?
When someone tells you a fantastic story that seems too absurd to be true, how do you know it is not true? After all, they say truth is stranger than fiction.
What would change your mind? What makes a story believable? If a family member told you an outlandish story of something that happened to them, would you believe it? What makes you believe them? Because it is told by someone you trust? Because it is told with such enthusiasm? Even if it were so beyond belief? There are some stories that just cannot be fabricated. They are so outlandish that they almost have to be true. Other times, they make so little sense that they must be false, but the person who experienced it tells the story with such clarity and vivid detail that you cannot help but believe it. Would you listen to an unbelievable story told by a friend? Could you trust the testimony of a stranger?
Some say God does not exist. Others say He does. How do you know which one to believe? No one can prove to another without a shadow of doubt that He does any more than someone can prove unequivocally that He does not.
How do you know that He did not send His one and only Son Jesus to die for the sins of humanity? To restore a broken relationship that began in the Garden of Eden? How do you know? What would it take for you to believe it? You don’t know? Then, how do you know He is not giving you the evidence that you need to believe it and you simply don’t recognize it for what it is?
Is it based upon how you feel? You have been wrong before. You know, those times where you misunderstood a friend or whatever. You felt one way but came to learn something different. You were wrong then in how you felt.
Is it based upon what you see? You can’t see the wind. You can’t see gravity. But, you know they are there. You can see the evidence of these things. What if I told you the evidence of God is all around us. Would you believe me? In a crime scene, investigators do not see the act committed. They do not see the perpetrator, but they see the evidence of the crime. They find the person’s fingerprints and evidence of the person’s presence. Would you believe me if I told you that God’s fingerprints are all over Creation?
What would it take for you to believe? If you haven’t experienced a ride in an amusement park or a meal in a restaurant, how do you know that it is something you want to do without someone telling you about it?
There are literally thousands and even millions of people who have come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Their testimonies cry out to those who have yet to believe. Most of the early apostles were killed in violent fashion. In many cases, they were given the opportunity to save their lives if they would just deny their beliefs. They did not. They held their beliefs until the bitter end unwilling to deny their faith. Not only those who have seen, but some modern day believers have faced a similar fate. They too were unwilling to denounce their faith in Christ even in the face of death. Did these people die for a lie? Were they so naïve as to be duped? How did so many people come to be so persuaded by such a falsehood, unless it is true? Cast your mind for just a moment and consider the possibility that it could be true. What if it is? What if you are wrong?
Jesus may not be within physical reach of you and me today. But, Jesus’ interaction with Thomas teaches us an important truth. “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” (1 Peter 1:8) Jesus told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (Matthew 20:29) Jesus is not within our reach, but we are within His. We cannot put our hands in His side. We cannot put our fingers in the holes in His hands and feet, but He can put His Spirit into our lives. He can fill the holes in our hearts. He can fill that void and emptiness you feel. He can make right that sense of despair.
The disciples had direct contact with Jesus. They touched Him, ate with Him, spent time with Him, learned from Him. They told their stories and recorded them in books. Would you believe their eye witness testimonies?
Many others you know have been touched by Jesus. Would you believe them?
I was touched by Jesus. Would you believe me?
What would it take for you to believe?
How then do you know He isn’t giving you what you need to believe and you just don’t recognize it?
Have you been touched by Jesus?