Dispelling All Doubts

Dispelling All Doubts

John 20:24-29, NLT

One of the disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Setting the Scene

Thomas had missed the gathering, so he still had his doubts when the others told him about Jesus’ appearance, stating unequivocally, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Thomas wanted proof.

We tend to remember this doubting episode in Thomas’s life. But Thomas is the one who earlier had exclaimed, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus” (John 11:16, NLT). Thomas was committed to Jesus, even if he tended to be pessimistic. And remember, some of the other disciples were also skeptical (Matthew 28:17). Part of Thomas’s character was a tendency to put into words what everyone was feeling. The other disciples also only fully believed after they had seen the risen Christ in person.

Eight days later, Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. Turning directly to Thomas, Jesus told him to look, touch, and believe. Then, when doubting Thomas saw Jesus, he became believing Thomas, as he confessed his faith in Jesus.

Jesus didn’t criticize Thomas for doubting but affirmed him for his confession of faith. Then Jesus left a message for all believers who would follow, including us: “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Getting Personal

What doubts do you have about God, Jesus, and the Christian faith?

Where can you go to find answers to your questions?

What can you do to help others who express serious questions about Jesus and the Resurrection?

God wants us to be honest with him, to express our feelings, to confess our sins, and to ask our questions. When Thomas said he had doubts about Jesus being alive and would need proof, he was expressing what others in the group had thought. After all, they had heard the reports from the women and the travelers on the road to Emmaus but hadn’t believed until they saw Jesus. Having doubts isn’t a problem, but what we do with those doubts can be. When we have questions, we should be looking for answers. Then we should be as bold and open as Thomas in our confession of Jesus as Lord and God.

Talking to God

Confess that at times you question God’s presence or doubt aspects of the gospel message. Affirm your desire to trust in God fully, and ask him to lead you to the answers you need.