I want to dive into something that often blows my mind: the incredible gift we have in the Word of God. It’s something that we often take for granted, myself included. When we read the Bible, we have access to a complete story from beginning to end, a privilege the disciples didn’t have. They didn’t have the written Word to guide them as we do. It’s truly amazing and something we shouldn’t overlook.
I want to talk about a story that’s often overlooked except during Easter: the story of Doubting Thomas. This narrative resonates deeply with me, and I believe it has powerful lessons for all of us. So, let’s dive into John 20:24-29 and explore the story of Thomas and his encounter with the risen Jesus.
The Gift of the Word
Before we get into the story of Thomas, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Word of God. For many years, I took the Bible for granted. It wasn’t until I truly began to understand and appreciate its depth and wisdom that I realized what an incredible gift it is. We have a book that tells us everything we need to know about life, faith, and God’s love for us.
The Story of Doubting Thomas
In John 20:24-29, we learn about Thomas, one of the disciples. Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus first appeared to them after His resurrection. When they told Thomas they had seen the Lord, his response was skeptical. He famously said, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.”
We often criticize Thomas for his doubt, but let’s take a moment to understand his perspective. The disciples had watched Jesus die a humiliating and painful death. They were grieving deeply. Can we blame Thomas for needing tangible proof that Jesus was alive?
Embracing Human Doubt
Thomas’s doubt is incredibly human and relatable. He wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus first appeared, and his grief made it difficult for him to believe their incredible news. It’s natural to doubt, especially when we’re faced with situations that challenge our understanding and beliefs.
For eight days, Thomas wrestled with his doubts. Imagine the emotional turmoil he went through, oscillating between hope and disbelief. Then, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds and see for himself. Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas for his doubt; instead, He met Thomas where he was and provided the evidence he needed.
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Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt
In verse 28, Thomas responds to Jesus with a profound declaration: “My Lord and my God!” He didn’t need to touch Jesus’s wounds after all. Seeing Jesus was enough for him to believe.
Jesus’s response to Thomas is significant for all of us: “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” That’s us, friends. We haven’t seen Jesus in the flesh, but we believe. And Jesus calls us blessed for that faith.
Taking Our Doubts to God
The story of Thomas teaches us that doubt is a natural part of faith. It’s okay to question and seek understanding. The important thing is to take our doubts to God. He’s big enough to handle our questions, our confusion, and our struggles. The Bible encourages us to ask for wisdom, and God promises to give it to us generously.
If you’re struggling with doubt, don’t beat yourself up. Take it to God. Ask Him to reveal the answers and to strengthen your faith. God wants to have a relationship with you, and that includes being honest about your doubts and seeking His guidance.
The story of Doubting Thomas reminds us that doubt doesn’t disqualify us from faith. It makes us human. Jesus understands our struggles and meets us where we are, providing the assurance we need to believe. So, if you’re in a season of doubt, know that you’re in good company. Take your doubts to God and trust that He will provide the answers and the faith you need.
If you’re wrestling with doubt, you’re not disqualified, Jesus meets you there.
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