What was the essential difference in the expressions of faith by Abraham and by Thomas? What can we learn from their stories?

 The essential difference in the expressions of faith by Abraham and Thomas lies in the nature of their belief and trust in God

 Abraham: Faith as Trust Without Evidence

Abraham's faith is characterized by trust in God without needing tangible evidence. He obeyed God's commands even when they seemed incomprehensible or required great personal sacrifice. For example:

- Leaving his homeland: Abraham left his home in Ur to journey to an unknown land solely based on God's promise (Genesis 12:1-4).

- Sacrifice of Isaac: Abraham was willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice, trusting that God's promises would still be fulfilled (Genesis 22:1-18).

Abraham's faith was rooted in a deep trust in God's character and promises, even when the outcome was unclear or appeared impossible.

 Thomas: Faith as Belief Upon Evidence

Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, represents a more empirical approach to faith. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas doubted the accounts of the other disciples and insisted on physical evidence:

- Doubting the resurrection: Thomas famously said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25).

- Receiving confirmation: When Jesus appeared to him and invited him to touch His wounds, Thomas immediately proclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

Thomas’ faith was solidified after encountering tangible evidence of Jesus' resurrection.

 Lessons We Can Learn

Faith Takes Different Forms

   - Abraham teaches us the importance of trusting God even without visible signs or immediate evidence.

   - Thomas shows us that God is patient with our doubts and willing to meet us where we are.

God Meets Us in Our Faith Journey

   - God honored Abraham's trust by fulfilling His promises, such as giving him a son and making him the father of many nations.

   - Jesus graciously addressed Thomas’ doubts, using the opportunity to affirm the blessedness of those who believe without seeing.

Faith Is Both Personal and Relational

   - Abraham's story emphasizes a personal and intimate trust in God's promises.

   - Thomas reminds us that faith is not blind but can be informed by experiences and evidence.

Invitation to Deeper Faith:

   - Jesus' words to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29), encourage us to cultivate a faith that goes beyond the need for physical proof.

Both stories highlight the multifaceted nature of faith and God’s willingness to guide us, regardless of where we are in our spiritual journey.

More: Lesson 7 - Blessed Are Those  Who Believe