Who was Thomas?

• Disciple (Matthew 10)
• Courageous, loyal, devoted (John 11)
• Loves clarity (John 14)

What Jesus said to Thomas (John 20:24-29)

Thomas’ crisis of doubt…grace and space
One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came..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.” (John 20:24-25)

Shows up and brings “peace”
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. (John 20:26)

Answers doubt with the challenge to investigate
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!” (John 20:27)

Doubt leads to belief
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. (John 20:28)

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

The value of doubt

We experience Jesus’ presence and peace

Embrace the thrill of investigating the pathway to faith

Enjoy a blessed life: faith
For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see…And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:1,6)

Reflection Question: How can “investigating” and being honest about our doubts lead us to deeper faith in Jesus?