Thomas

Thomas

Reading the Word

One of the disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They 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.”

26 Eight 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. 27 Then 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.

29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:24–29).

Setting the Scene

The disciples were chattering excitedly about their visit with the resurrected Christ. Thomas listened to their eager claims, but part of him was still unconvinced. He voiced his doubts. For that moment of honest questioning, he was tagged with the unflattering nickname “Doubting Thomas.” The label stuck. How unfortunate! We probably would have responded in a similar way.

Just over a week later, Thomas got his wish. As the men gathered in a locked room, Jesus suddenly materialized. The Savior found Thomas, looked at him, and told him to stop doubting and believe (20:27). Whatever uncertainty Thomas had gave way to immediate and total trust. “My Lord and my God!” he exclaimed. By his response, we see that Thomas wanted to believe. He was honestly searching for the truth. And when Jesus revealed himself, Thomas’s doubts dissolved.

Getting Personal

Temporary, occasional doubts are normal in the Christian life. They can even be good if they motivate us to search harder for God. Only when we languish in unbelief do we displease the Lord. God will come to you in your doubts and help you find answers, assurance.

• When did you go through a difficult time of doubting?
• What sincere questions do you have about God and his plan revealed in Scripture? What doubts about Jesus?
• Where are you looking for answers?

If you are struggling with doubts today, ask God to give you a fresh glimpse of Jesus. When he does, stop doubting and believe!

Talking to God

Lord, I confess that I doubt . . . . Please help me believe!

Adapted from 365 Life Lessons from Bible People by Livingstone (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), used by permission.