Doubting GodSample

Rethinking Thomas

Let’s go back to our house analogy from yesterday. Imagine someone comes to fix your leak, but you have some questions. You want to know the person in charge is trustworthy, right? That’s warranted. You might ask for a list of references or proof of work they’ve done before.

Our faith works the same way. We all want to know that God is trustworthy. We want to trust that He is who He says He is and that what the Bible says is true.

Sometimes we feel shame about asking those questions, feeling like we should have more faith. But our questions don’t mean the end of our faith—they’re often the beginning. We see proof of that in Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples during His time on earth.

We don’t know a ton about Thomas. He was a fisherman, and he often gets a bad reputation as “Doubting Thomas.” But what if there’s more to his story?

Thomas asked the questions most of the other disciples were probably thinking. For example, in John 14, he asked Jesus how they could follow Him if they didn’t know where He was going.

He had the courage to express his questions and doubts, and in doing so, he maintained his relationship with Jesus. In John 11, we see he doubted Jesus’ plan, but he chose to follow Him anyway.

Then, in John 20, we see the account he’s known for the most—the time He doubted that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Before rushing to judgment, let’s pause and consider how you would feel in that moment. Imagine you’re Thomas. You’ve got all these ideas about what it’ll look like when the Messiah comes, and Jesus defies all those expectations.

Then, you witness your rabbi’s death. In that culture, a rabbi would have been closer than a father. Thomas would have been devastated. And what happens next? You hear that Jesus rose from the dead.

How would you have responded in his position?

Thomas naturally had some questions and reservations. And to be fair, the other disciples weren’t exactly pillars of strength.

In John 20:19, we see the other disciples huddled together behind locked doors, terrified of the religious leaders. When Jesus appeared, they believed Him, but their faith then ebbed and flowed. How do we know this? Because as we learned yesterday, even in Jesus’ last speech to them, some of them still doubted Him!

So Thomas isn’t there with his friends at the time, and he hears about this experience secondhand from one of the other disciples. He reacts with a bit of skepticism, saying that he’ll only believe if he has evidence.

Just look at the kind and compassionate way Jesus responds to Thomas’ doubts:

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27 NIV

Jesus gives Thomas exactly what he needs—kindness and evidence.

Yes, Jesus goes on to praise those who believe without evidence, but He doesn’t scold Thomas for wanting proof. Jesus reacts to our doubt in the same way.

Like Thomas, we can approach Him with our questions and doubts, knowing that He’s kind and patient with us even in our unbelief.

Pray: God, I know that You’re trustworthy, but I struggle to fully believe it sometimes. Show me evidence of Your goodness and faithfulness. Today, I bring you questions about _________. Thank You for Your kindness and patience in the middle of my doubt. Help me put my full trust in You, and show me how to navigate these doubts in a way that deepens our relationship. In Jesus’ name, amen.