Doubting Thomas

One Week after...

John 20:19–20 ESV

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Christ’s purpose is fulfilled—death and resurrection. He holds the keys to death, hell and the grave.

However, one of His own, His own disciples stands in doubt.

John 20:24–28 ESV

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

doubting Thomas—Confessing Thomas

Purpose in doubting

desiring the truth-Thomas wanted to see for himself-he wanted a personal experience with the risen Christ, not simply taking his friends word for it.

doubting does not need to be a lifestyle; only a response —even if your initial response is doubt, it does not have to define you.

Thomas spoke truth and shared his thoughts. Not too differently than Peter.

John 11:6 ESV

So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Thomas didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus, even with a negative outlook.

Doubt can encourage rethinking of problems

doubt was never meant to be your identity