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"A Question of Doubt"
“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.’” (John 20:24–25 ESV) The resurrection of Jesus was the best possible news the disciples could have received, yet not everyone was immediately comfortable with the story. Thomas was absent when the Lord made His group appearance on that Sunday evening, and he gave a skeptic’s response to the announcement that the other disciples had been with the risen Lord. He demanded proof: “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 in his side, I will never believe.” |
Sometimes Thomas is judged too harshly. One might think, “What a demanding, disrespectful disciple. Who does he think he is?” Although his words may seem cold, they were sincere, not prideful. Thomas wanted to believe, and he wanted his faith to be authentic.
John 20: 20 has an important detail in Jesus’ original appearance: “When [Jesus] had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” Thomas, therefore, was only asking for what he had missed. He was expressing a willingness to believe based upon the same evidence given to his colleagues. His request was not unreasonable. He did not want to doubt; he wanted to believe.
Thomas sincerely longed for what the other disciples had experienced. Thomas also wanted to have an authentic faith in Christ. And in this lies a lesson for us: Faith is kindled when you name the obstacle.
If you are struggling with doubt, identify the obstacle to faith in your life:
Now bring it before the Lord: “God, this is the barrier between You and me.” Identify your strong reservations and give God an opportunity to kindle faith where there is doubt. Once you have honestly prayed this way, give God time to answer. Wait on Him.
This is not a casual challenge. If you are a doubter, get on your knees every night, and bring your obstacle before God. Pray with the expectation that He will answer. Ask faithfully, every day for thirty days. God did not disappoint Thomas, and He will not disappoint a sincere seeker. Tell God about the obstacle, and He will kindle your faith.
(Mandarin translated version is available on the greeter table every Sunday)
Because He Lives,
Pastor Dave
[email protected]
John 20: 20 has an important detail in Jesus’ original appearance: “When [Jesus] had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” Thomas, therefore, was only asking for what he had missed. He was expressing a willingness to believe based upon the same evidence given to his colleagues. His request was not unreasonable. He did not want to doubt; he wanted to believe.
Thomas sincerely longed for what the other disciples had experienced. Thomas also wanted to have an authentic faith in Christ. And in this lies a lesson for us: Faith is kindled when you name the obstacle.
If you are struggling with doubt, identify the obstacle to faith in your life:
- I got hurt.
- I have a tough question I do not have an answer for.
- I am discouraged.
- I honestly do not understand how Christianity could be true.
Now bring it before the Lord: “God, this is the barrier between You and me.” Identify your strong reservations and give God an opportunity to kindle faith where there is doubt. Once you have honestly prayed this way, give God time to answer. Wait on Him.
This is not a casual challenge. If you are a doubter, get on your knees every night, and bring your obstacle before God. Pray with the expectation that He will answer. Ask faithfully, every day for thirty days. God did not disappoint Thomas, and He will not disappoint a sincere seeker. Tell God about the obstacle, and He will kindle your faith.
(Mandarin translated version is available on the greeter table every Sunday)
Because He Lives,
Pastor Dave
[email protected]
