Understanding Doubt through Thomas

Scripture:
John 20:24-25 - "But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called 'Twin'), was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples kept telling him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!'"

Devotional:
Thomas is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” defined by his moment of hesitation after the resurrection. Yet, this label oversimplifies the complexity of Thomas' faith journey. Doubt, as we see in Thomas' life, does not disqualify us from being followers of Jesus. In fact, doubt can be an essential part of faith when it propels us to seek the truth.

We can empathize with Thomas. He had witnessed Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. He followed Jesus for years, placing his hopes in Him as the Messiah. Then came the crucifixion. Jesus died, and with that, Thomas’s expectations and faith were deeply shaken. His doubt was not irrational; it was a natural response to the emotional and spiritual trauma of seeing his Lord brutally executed.

We all face moments of doubt, especially when life brings pain, loss, or disappointment. In times of uncertainty, we can feel like Thomas, questioning our faith and wondering where God is in the midst of our struggles. But Thomas’s story shows that even in our doubt, Jesus meets us. He does not condemn us for our doubts but instead invites us to come closer, to experience His presence, and to find assurance.

Reflection Questions:
Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered those feelings?
How can you approach your doubts like Thomas—honestly but with a desire to find the truth?
How does Thomas’s story encourage you to bring your doubts to Jesus rather than hide them?

Application:
Take time to reflect on any doubts or uncertainties you have about your faith. Instead of letting these doubts create distance between you and God, bring them to Him in prayer. Share them with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor and seek answers in God’s Word. Remember that doubt, when handled with honesty and faith, can lead to deeper understanding.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, I thank You that doubt does not disqualify me from being Your disciple. Help me to bring my doubts to You and seek Your truth. Like Thomas, I want to see and experience Your presence in my life. Strengthen my faith and help me trust in You, even when I don’t have all the answers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.