Life Lessons From 25 New Testament CharactersSample

Laying Down Doubt

Was Thomas faith-less or full of faith? Commonly known as “Doubting Thomas”, this disciple of Jesus is often knocked for his questions and not respected for his faith. Yes, he doubted the news of Jesus’ resurrection, but his doubt had a purpose - he wanted to know, see, and experience the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Here is the key: Thomas didn’t idolize his doubts; when approached by Jesus to believe in His resurrection, Thomas gladly believed. Doubt was not his way of life. While he had uneasy feelings and questions that needed to be answered, he honestly made them known. But when his questions were answered, he laid his feelings to rest and joyfully embraced the truth of Jesus’ resurrection

THINK and PRAY:

How do you deal with doubts?

There is nothing wrong with feelings of doubt, but there is something wrong with living in our feelings of doubt. Notice Jesus’ words to Thomas in John 20:27. Misguided knowledge couldn’t save him even if he appeared to be religious. He needed to learn from God - to learn from Jesus himself. The secret to being born again and made into a new sinless person spiritually wasn’t about the physical appearance a person keeps. Jesus declares belief in Christ is what saves! Consider Nicodemus. He responded in faith at some point. We know this because we see him changing little by little. He defended Jesus at his crucifixion trial and later stepped up with another religious leader, Joseph of Arimathea, who came out of hiding his faith in Christ, to boldly care for the body of Christ. The slow, hidden faith that came to Nicodemus grew bolder and more public. He met the Person whom the Scriptures all point to us needing; Christ the Lord and Savior! Do you know Him, and have you been “born again” by belief in Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior?