Doubting Thomas
The Easter season reminds us of the incredible reality of Jesus’ resurrection, but we also know that the disciples didn’t just leap into faith overnight. They wrestled with fear, doubt, and confusion—sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Especially one disciple in particular!
This week, I want to try and explore the story of Thomas and the disciples in those pivotal days after the resurrection. What we’ll read in John 20 overlaps with Luke 24. This is a good sign for those of us who like harmony in our stories (and writing a repetitive blog. Lol)!
While the Gospel writers had unique perspectives, these overlapping details remind us that their testimonies are united in affirming the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
I may be a bit slack this week with my overnight posts – but I will try to get it up by mid-day.
Believe it or not – this is one of the hardest sermons to write because everyone has heard so many variants of the doubting Thomas story. I’m trying to bring it fresh with a bit less science this week. (You’re Welcome).
Peace Be With You!
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
This week, I want to try and explore the story of Thomas and the disciples in those pivotal days after the resurrection. What we’ll read in John 20 overlaps with Luke 24. This is a good sign for those of us who like harmony in our stories (and writing a repetitive blog. Lol)!
While the Gospel writers had unique perspectives, these overlapping details remind us that their testimonies are united in affirming the truth of Jesus’ resurrection.
I may be a bit slack this week with my overnight posts – but I will try to get it up by mid-day.
Believe it or not – this is one of the hardest sermons to write because everyone has heard so many variants of the doubting Thomas story. I’m trying to bring it fresh with a bit less science this week. (You’re Welcome).
Peace Be With You!
New here? Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan. After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Day 1: Monday – Peace in the Chaos
Scripture: John 20:19-20
OT Parallel: Isaiah 26:1-4
OK I am getting off easy because, here we are on rinse and repeat from Luke, You all know about today. But maybe I can spin this for some interest.
Historical Context:
Luke - On the evening of the resurrection, the disciples were locked in a room, gripped by fear. Sound familiar? Luke 24:36-37 recounts this same moment, where Jesus appeared and said, "Peace be with you." Both John and Luke include this greeting, which was more than just a casual "Hi, how’s it going?" It was a declaration of calm in the middle of chaos.
But here’s where it gets fascinating: John tells us Jesus shows His hands and side, while Luke points to His hands and feet. Why the difference? John highlights Jesus’ pierced side as undeniable proof of His death and resurrection, while Luke zeroes in on the physicality of His feet—emphasizing that the resurrected Jesus is no phantom. See - two perspectives. It keeps it real!
Remember John was there, in the room. We all notice different things.
Reflection:
But, I am back to the same reflection – and that is not bad for today. Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for their fear. Instead, He offered peace and proof, showing them His hands and side (John 20:20, Luke 24:39). This is the harmony I was talking about of the Gospels at work. It’s a simple way to find simpatico and reinforce the truth that Jesus meets us where we are, even in our locked rooms of fear.
Illustration:
Think about crossing a wobbly rope bridge (yep, here it is again). You’re scared, but then someone on the other side says, "It’s okay, I’ve been across, and it’s safe." Jesus is that voice of assurance, calling us to step forward in faith because His resurrection has already secured the way. In our context - you've now heard it from two sources - you can be a bit more confident it's safe to press on! Make sense?
Reflection Question:
This may seem a bit week - but I think this question hits all of us head on!
What "locked doors" of fear or doubt do you need to give to Jesus today?
Scripture: John 20:19-20
OT Parallel: Isaiah 26:1-4
OK I am getting off easy because, here we are on rinse and repeat from Luke, You all know about today. But maybe I can spin this for some interest.
Historical Context:
Luke - On the evening of the resurrection, the disciples were locked in a room, gripped by fear. Sound familiar? Luke 24:36-37 recounts this same moment, where Jesus appeared and said, "Peace be with you." Both John and Luke include this greeting, which was more than just a casual "Hi, how’s it going?" It was a declaration of calm in the middle of chaos.
But here’s where it gets fascinating: John tells us Jesus shows His hands and side, while Luke points to His hands and feet. Why the difference? John highlights Jesus’ pierced side as undeniable proof of His death and resurrection, while Luke zeroes in on the physicality of His feet—emphasizing that the resurrected Jesus is no phantom. See - two perspectives. It keeps it real!
Remember John was there, in the room. We all notice different things.
Reflection:
But, I am back to the same reflection – and that is not bad for today. Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for their fear. Instead, He offered peace and proof, showing them His hands and side (John 20:20, Luke 24:39). This is the harmony I was talking about of the Gospels at work. It’s a simple way to find simpatico and reinforce the truth that Jesus meets us where we are, even in our locked rooms of fear.
Illustration:
Think about crossing a wobbly rope bridge (yep, here it is again). You’re scared, but then someone on the other side says, "It’s okay, I’ve been across, and it’s safe." Jesus is that voice of assurance, calling us to step forward in faith because His resurrection has already secured the way. In our context - you've now heard it from two sources - you can be a bit more confident it's safe to press on! Make sense?
Reflection Question:
This may seem a bit week - but I think this question hits all of us head on!
What "locked doors" of fear or doubt do you need to give to Jesus today?
Day 2: Tuesday – The Gift of the Spirit
Scripture: John 20:21-23
OT Parallel: Ezekiel 36:25-27
Quick one today… (but I this is where I think I am going with my sermon – this is my test drive.)
We often hear Thomas referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” but the truth is, that label doesn’t do him justice. If we read the Gospels, Thomas shows himself to consistently be a bold and thoughtful. But he does come across as one who questions EVERYTHING! Know anyone like that?
Historical Context:
Let’s look at what we know about Thomas from earlier in the Gospel of John:
In John 11, when Jesus announces He’s going back to Judea to raise Lazarus, the disciples are alarmed. The last time Jesus was in Judea, the religious leaders tried to kill Him. But Thomas boldly says, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16) Thomas wasn’t afraid to face danger alongside Jesus, even if it meant risking his own life.
In John 14, during the Last Supper, Jesus tells the disciples, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas doesn’t just nod along—he wants clarity. He asks, “Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) This question sets the stage for one of Jesus’s most profound statements: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
These moments show us a disciple who is courageous, curious, and deeply committed to understanding Jesus. Thomas wasn’t a doubter—he was someone who wanted to know the truth for himself.
Reflection:
So, where was Thomas when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples?
Well first – who was in the upper room when Jesus appeared? The ten other disciples, Judas was already dead.
Only Thomas is missing.
So, we might assume he was terrified and crying in his pillow at home or as I think – he was looking for answers. I’m guessing it’s something in between. I'm fairly certain he was deep in grief and mourning.
We all mourn differently – he likely didn’t want to be with the others. Thomas does not strike me as a follower! Based on what we know about his character, it’s easy to imagine Thomas venturing out into the world while the others were locked in fear.
Maybe he was out walking the streets of Jerusalem, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Maybe he was checking on other followers of Jesus or seeking answers in his own way.
Thomas’s absence wasn’t a sign of doubt—it reflected his personality. He wasn’t content to sit and wait; he needed to process things on his own terms.
When Thomas returned and heard the others say, “We have seen the Lord,” his response wasn’t rebellion or disbelief—it was honesty. He wanted to experience Jesus for himself, just as the others had.
Think about it – did the disciples believe the women? No! Did they believe the Emmaus crew that rushed in at zero-dark thirty? No!
They were all still perplexed, hiding, and afraid. Except Thomas - he was just being Thomas.
Reflection Question:
What other ways can you step into these verses and challenge your world narrative! If you lean into the world for answers, you become of the world.
Use the Holy Spirit for your exegesis! That's your hotline to discernment. This same practice is what we apply to our daily living!
Scripture: John 20:21-23
OT Parallel: Ezekiel 36:25-27
Quick one today… (but I this is where I think I am going with my sermon – this is my test drive.)
We often hear Thomas referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” but the truth is, that label doesn’t do him justice. If we read the Gospels, Thomas shows himself to consistently be a bold and thoughtful. But he does come across as one who questions EVERYTHING! Know anyone like that?
Historical Context:
Let’s look at what we know about Thomas from earlier in the Gospel of John:
In John 11, when Jesus announces He’s going back to Judea to raise Lazarus, the disciples are alarmed. The last time Jesus was in Judea, the religious leaders tried to kill Him. But Thomas boldly says, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16) Thomas wasn’t afraid to face danger alongside Jesus, even if it meant risking his own life.
In John 14, during the Last Supper, Jesus tells the disciples, “You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas doesn’t just nod along—he wants clarity. He asks, “Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) This question sets the stage for one of Jesus’s most profound statements: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
These moments show us a disciple who is courageous, curious, and deeply committed to understanding Jesus. Thomas wasn’t a doubter—he was someone who wanted to know the truth for himself.
Reflection:
So, where was Thomas when Jesus first appeared to the other disciples?
Well first – who was in the upper room when Jesus appeared? The ten other disciples, Judas was already dead.
Only Thomas is missing.
So, we might assume he was terrified and crying in his pillow at home or as I think – he was looking for answers. I’m guessing it’s something in between. I'm fairly certain he was deep in grief and mourning.
We all mourn differently – he likely didn’t want to be with the others. Thomas does not strike me as a follower! Based on what we know about his character, it’s easy to imagine Thomas venturing out into the world while the others were locked in fear.
Maybe he was out walking the streets of Jerusalem, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Maybe he was checking on other followers of Jesus or seeking answers in his own way.
Thomas’s absence wasn’t a sign of doubt—it reflected his personality. He wasn’t content to sit and wait; he needed to process things on his own terms.
When Thomas returned and heard the others say, “We have seen the Lord,” his response wasn’t rebellion or disbelief—it was honesty. He wanted to experience Jesus for himself, just as the others had.
Think about it – did the disciples believe the women? No! Did they believe the Emmaus crew that rushed in at zero-dark thirty? No!
They were all still perplexed, hiding, and afraid. Except Thomas - he was just being Thomas.
Reflection Question:
What other ways can you step into these verses and challenge your world narrative! If you lean into the world for answers, you become of the world.
Use the Holy Spirit for your exegesis! That's your hotline to discernment. This same practice is what we apply to our daily living!
Day 3: Wednesday – Wrestling with Doubt
Scripture: John 20:24-25
OT Parallel: Psalm 77:7-12
Historical Context
By the time Thomas enters the story in John 20:24-25, the other disciples have already seen the resurrected Jesus. That why we are now on one of the most human and relatable moments in the Gospel: Thomas’s encounter with doubt. I mean – who hasn’t had doubt without eyes on what is being told?
The disciples had a chance for fear to turn into amazement, their grief into joy. But Thomas wasn’t with them when Jesus first appeared.
We don’t know why Thomas wasn’t there. My guess is he was grieving alone.
Think about it – he was ready to die earlier. He has to be overwhelmed by all that had happened. What we do know is that when the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” his response was firm: “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.”
BTW – in the Greek of the text, “We have seen them,” it literally translates as them being relentless – almost hounding him – “we saw Him, we saw Him.”
Maybe that’s why he left for a week?
At first glance, this might sound harsh, but think about it: the other disciples had already experienced the proof Thomas was asking for. They had seen Jesus alive. They had heard His voice and touched His wounds. Why should Thomas be expected to believe without the same experience?
Thomas wasn’t being rebellious—he was being honest. This wasn’t the doubt of someone looking for an excuse to walk away; it was the doubt of someone longing to understand. He wanted to believe, but he needed his own encounter with Jesus to make sense of it all.
And that’s the beauty of this moment. Thomas’s doubt wasn’t met with condemnation. Jesus didn’t criticize him or dismiss him. Instead, Jesus met Thomas exactly where he was, giving him the opportunity to see and touch for himself.
Reflection
For many of us, doubt feels like failure. We think that if we question God’s presence or promises, we’re somehow letting Him down. But the story of Thomas reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith. Doubt is often the starting point of deeper faith.
Thomas wasn’t afraid to say, “I don’t understand right now.” He wasn’t afraid to ask for what he needed. And when Jesus appeared to him and said, “Put your finger here; see My hands” (John 20:27), Thomas’s response wasn’t just belief—it was worship. He declared, “My Lord and my God!”
If you’re in a season of doubt right now, take heart: Jesus doesn’t turn away from our questions. He doesn’t demand blind faith. Instead, He invites us to come closer, to bring our fears and uncertainties to Him.
Doubt doesn’t disqualify you. It doesn’t make you a bad Christian. It makes you human. And just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, He will meet you in yours.
Reflection Question
So this cuts to the quick today - what are you grieving about! Where are your doubts today!
More importantly, How can you bring those to Jesus and ask Him to meet you where you are?
Scripture: John 20:24-25
OT Parallel: Psalm 77:7-12
Historical Context
By the time Thomas enters the story in John 20:24-25, the other disciples have already seen the resurrected Jesus. That why we are now on one of the most human and relatable moments in the Gospel: Thomas’s encounter with doubt. I mean – who hasn’t had doubt without eyes on what is being told?
The disciples had a chance for fear to turn into amazement, their grief into joy. But Thomas wasn’t with them when Jesus first appeared.
We don’t know why Thomas wasn’t there. My guess is he was grieving alone.
Think about it – he was ready to die earlier. He has to be overwhelmed by all that had happened. What we do know is that when the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” his response was firm: “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.”
BTW – in the Greek of the text, “We have seen them,” it literally translates as them being relentless – almost hounding him – “we saw Him, we saw Him.”
Maybe that’s why he left for a week?
At first glance, this might sound harsh, but think about it: the other disciples had already experienced the proof Thomas was asking for. They had seen Jesus alive. They had heard His voice and touched His wounds. Why should Thomas be expected to believe without the same experience?
Thomas wasn’t being rebellious—he was being honest. This wasn’t the doubt of someone looking for an excuse to walk away; it was the doubt of someone longing to understand. He wanted to believe, but he needed his own encounter with Jesus to make sense of it all.
And that’s the beauty of this moment. Thomas’s doubt wasn’t met with condemnation. Jesus didn’t criticize him or dismiss him. Instead, Jesus met Thomas exactly where he was, giving him the opportunity to see and touch for himself.
Reflection
For many of us, doubt feels like failure. We think that if we question God’s presence or promises, we’re somehow letting Him down. But the story of Thomas reminds us that doubt is not the enemy of faith. Doubt is often the starting point of deeper faith.
Thomas wasn’t afraid to say, “I don’t understand right now.” He wasn’t afraid to ask for what he needed. And when Jesus appeared to him and said, “Put your finger here; see My hands” (John 20:27), Thomas’s response wasn’t just belief—it was worship. He declared, “My Lord and my God!”
If you’re in a season of doubt right now, take heart: Jesus doesn’t turn away from our questions. He doesn’t demand blind faith. Instead, He invites us to come closer, to bring our fears and uncertainties to Him.
Doubt doesn’t disqualify you. It doesn’t make you a bad Christian. It makes you human. And just as Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, He will meet you in yours.
Reflection Question
So this cuts to the quick today - what are you grieving about! Where are your doubts today!
More importantly, How can you bring those to Jesus and ask Him to meet you where you are?
Day 4: Thursday – Seeing and Believing
Scripture: John 20:26-27
OT Parallel: Exodus 33:18-23
Historical Context
Eight days after the resurrection, the disciples were gathered together again. This time, Thomas was with them. The doors were still locked—a lingering sign of fear, even after the incredible news that Jesus was alive.
And then, just as before, Jesus appeared. He didn’t knock. He didn’t wait for someone to open the door. He simply stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
But what makes this moment so remarkable is what happened next. Jesus turned directly to Thomas. It’s almost as if He came back just for him. When Thomas had voiced his doubt, he wasn’t being defiant—he was being honest. He wanted the same proof the other disciples had received. And instead of ignoring Thomas’s doubt or rebuking him for it, Jesus met him where he was.
He said, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” (Repeating the demand Thomas had made earlier).
If you think about it, this moment feels deeply intentional. Jesus didn’t have to come back again. But Thomas mattered. After all, Jesus had chosen twelve disciples. He was already down one with Judas gone. Losing another wasn’t an option.
It’s almost as if Jesus came back to ensure that Thomas wouldn’t be left behind, that the group would be whole again.
This moment reminds me of the story of the Good Shepherd in Luke 15:4-6, where the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that’s lost. Jesus wasn’t going to let Thomas’s doubt pull him away. He pursued him, just as He pursues each of us when we feel unsure, afraid, or disconnected. (Maybe reread that last sentence again and live in it today).
Reflection
Doesn’t it feel like Jesus’s interaction with Thomas is a reflection of His heart for all of us?
First, it shows us that Jesus cares about each of us personally. He didn’t treat Thomas’s doubt as an inconvenience. Instead, He engaged with it directly, giving Thomas exactly what he needed to move from doubt to belief.
Second, it teaches us that doubt isn’t the end of faith—it’s often the beginning of something deeper. Thomas’s doubt didn’t disqualify him from being a disciple. Instead, it became the very place where Jesus met him and transformed his faith.
If you’re in a season of doubt (and who isn't at one time or another), know this: Jesus isn’t disappointed in you. He isn’t threatened by your questions.
He meets us in the places where we feel uncertain, just as He did with Thomas. And when we bring our doubts to Him, He invites us to see Him more clearly and believe more deeply.
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to trust that Jesus pursues you personally, just as He came back for Thomas? How does that change the way you approach your doubts today?
Scripture: John 20:26-27
OT Parallel: Exodus 33:18-23
Historical Context
Eight days after the resurrection, the disciples were gathered together again. This time, Thomas was with them. The doors were still locked—a lingering sign of fear, even after the incredible news that Jesus was alive.
And then, just as before, Jesus appeared. He didn’t knock. He didn’t wait for someone to open the door. He simply stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
But what makes this moment so remarkable is what happened next. Jesus turned directly to Thomas. It’s almost as if He came back just for him. When Thomas had voiced his doubt, he wasn’t being defiant—he was being honest. He wanted the same proof the other disciples had received. And instead of ignoring Thomas’s doubt or rebuking him for it, Jesus met him where he was.
He said, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” (Repeating the demand Thomas had made earlier).
If you think about it, this moment feels deeply intentional. Jesus didn’t have to come back again. But Thomas mattered. After all, Jesus had chosen twelve disciples. He was already down one with Judas gone. Losing another wasn’t an option.
It’s almost as if Jesus came back to ensure that Thomas wouldn’t be left behind, that the group would be whole again.
This moment reminds me of the story of the Good Shepherd in Luke 15:4-6, where the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that’s lost. Jesus wasn’t going to let Thomas’s doubt pull him away. He pursued him, just as He pursues each of us when we feel unsure, afraid, or disconnected. (Maybe reread that last sentence again and live in it today).
Reflection
Doesn’t it feel like Jesus’s interaction with Thomas is a reflection of His heart for all of us?
First, it shows us that Jesus cares about each of us personally. He didn’t treat Thomas’s doubt as an inconvenience. Instead, He engaged with it directly, giving Thomas exactly what he needed to move from doubt to belief.
Second, it teaches us that doubt isn’t the end of faith—it’s often the beginning of something deeper. Thomas’s doubt didn’t disqualify him from being a disciple. Instead, it became the very place where Jesus met him and transformed his faith.
If you’re in a season of doubt (and who isn't at one time or another), know this: Jesus isn’t disappointed in you. He isn’t threatened by your questions.
He meets us in the places where we feel uncertain, just as He did with Thomas. And when we bring our doubts to Him, He invites us to see Him more clearly and believe more deeply.
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to trust that Jesus pursues you personally, just as He came back for Thomas? How does that change the way you approach your doubts today?
Day 5: Friday – Declaring Unbridled Faith
Scripture: John 20:28-29
OT Parallel: Habakkuk 2:2-4
This part of the story is often overlooked for the power of the moment. Let me try and make it up to you.
After days of uncertainty, fear, and doubt, the disciples are now face-to-face with the risen Jesus again. For Thomas this is the first time and will be a life-changing moment.
Ok – for all of them there witnessing this it is life changing . I’m guessing no dry eyes!
For Thomas, the pain of the crucifixion had left him hesitant to believe in the resurrection. While the other disciples rejoiced, he struggled to trust something he hadn’t seen for himself. But in this pivotal moment, everything changes.
His hesitation to believe was a defense mechanism, a way of protecting himself from further disappointment.
Yet when Thomas encounters the risen Jesus, his doubt is met with compassion, not condemnation. Jesus meets him exactly where he is, offering him the opportunity to see and experience the truth firsthand. How does he respong - you need to be able to read Greek.
The Greek word κράζω (krazo, "to cry out loudly") captures the raw, unrestrained outpouring of emotion—the kind that arises when someone’s entire reality is upended by an undeniable truth.
Though the text doesn’t describe his exact reaction, he is probably falling to his knees, tears streaming down his face, as his heart and voice cry out in a mixture of sorrow, awe, and joy.
Faith Beyond What We See
Thomas’ story reminds us that faith isn’t always easy. Like him, we often wrestle with doubt when life doesn’t go as we expect or when we struggle to see how God is working.
But faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting in the promises of God, even when we can’t see the full picture. In Habakkuk 2:4, we are reminded that “the righteous person will live by his faith.” If you remember, the scripture began - "Write down the revelation..." (Anyone reading revelation?)
Faith calls us to trust in God’s character and His Word, (sometimes to write it down) even when our circumstances challenge us.
It’s about believing that His plans are good and that His promises are true, even when we don’t have all the evidence in front of us.
This moment with Thomas isn’t just about him—it’s a turning point for all the disciples.
For days, they had struggled to understand the resurrection. They had all experienced fear, doubt, and confusion. But now, standing in the presence of the risen Jesus, everything becomes clear.
All the disciples’ faith is no longer just about what they’ve seen—it’s about trusting in the greater plan of God. But, Thomas’ story challenges us to examine our own faith. How do we respond when doubt creeps in?
Do we bring our questions to God, or do we let them separate us from Him?
Faith doesn’t mean ignoring our doubts—it means trusting God enough to bring them to Him. It’s about allowing Him to meet us where we are and transform our hearts.
Living out faith means making Jesus the center of our lives, trusting Him in the uncertainties, and declaring His truth through our actions and decisions.
The Friday Reflection (my day off... woo hoo)
The emotional climax of the disciples’ journey is not just their story—it’s ours.
Faith isn’t about seeing or understanding everything perfectly. It’s about trusting in the promises of God and surrendering to Him completely.
Like the disciples, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God’s goodness and declaring His truth in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection Question
IS God calling you to move from doubt to faith in your own life, trusting Him even in the midst of uncertainties?
I originally wrote that question with "how is", but He asked me to change it!
I serve a mighty God!
Scripture: John 20:28-29
OT Parallel: Habakkuk 2:2-4
This part of the story is often overlooked for the power of the moment. Let me try and make it up to you.
After days of uncertainty, fear, and doubt, the disciples are now face-to-face with the risen Jesus again. For Thomas this is the first time and will be a life-changing moment.
Ok – for all of them there witnessing this it is life changing . I’m guessing no dry eyes!
For Thomas, the pain of the crucifixion had left him hesitant to believe in the resurrection. While the other disciples rejoiced, he struggled to trust something he hadn’t seen for himself. But in this pivotal moment, everything changes.
His hesitation to believe was a defense mechanism, a way of protecting himself from further disappointment.
Yet when Thomas encounters the risen Jesus, his doubt is met with compassion, not condemnation. Jesus meets him exactly where he is, offering him the opportunity to see and experience the truth firsthand. How does he respong - you need to be able to read Greek.
The Greek word κράζω (krazo, "to cry out loudly") captures the raw, unrestrained outpouring of emotion—the kind that arises when someone’s entire reality is upended by an undeniable truth.
Though the text doesn’t describe his exact reaction, he is probably falling to his knees, tears streaming down his face, as his heart and voice cry out in a mixture of sorrow, awe, and joy.
Faith Beyond What We See
Thomas’ story reminds us that faith isn’t always easy. Like him, we often wrestle with doubt when life doesn’t go as we expect or when we struggle to see how God is working.
But faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting in the promises of God, even when we can’t see the full picture. In Habakkuk 2:4, we are reminded that “the righteous person will live by his faith.” If you remember, the scripture began - "Write down the revelation..." (Anyone reading revelation?)
Faith calls us to trust in God’s character and His Word, (sometimes to write it down) even when our circumstances challenge us.
It’s about believing that His plans are good and that His promises are true, even when we don’t have all the evidence in front of us.
This moment with Thomas isn’t just about him—it’s a turning point for all the disciples.
For days, they had struggled to understand the resurrection. They had all experienced fear, doubt, and confusion. But now, standing in the presence of the risen Jesus, everything becomes clear.
All the disciples’ faith is no longer just about what they’ve seen—it’s about trusting in the greater plan of God. But, Thomas’ story challenges us to examine our own faith. How do we respond when doubt creeps in?
Do we bring our questions to God, or do we let them separate us from Him?
Faith doesn’t mean ignoring our doubts—it means trusting God enough to bring them to Him. It’s about allowing Him to meet us where we are and transform our hearts.
Living out faith means making Jesus the center of our lives, trusting Him in the uncertainties, and declaring His truth through our actions and decisions.
The Friday Reflection (my day off... woo hoo)
The emotional climax of the disciples’ journey is not just their story—it’s ours.
Faith isn’t about seeing or understanding everything perfectly. It’s about trusting in the promises of God and surrendering to Him completely.
Like the disciples, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God’s goodness and declaring His truth in every aspect of our lives.
Reflection Question
IS God calling you to move from doubt to faith in your own life, trusting Him even in the midst of uncertainties?
I originally wrote that question with "how is", but He asked me to change it!
I serve a mighty God!
Day 6: Saturday
This is it for this week! See you Sunday at church - where I try and restore Thomas' reputation....
This is it for this week! See you Sunday at church - where I try and restore Thomas' reputation....
1 Comment
Jesus came back to show Thomas and He patiently shows us that it’s ok to ask for clarification and understanding. God is so patient with us. Thank you God.