Doubting Thomas

While many of the disciples had seen the risen Christ on resurrection day, one had not—Thomas. Absent on that first gathering, he returned to hear the others declare, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas could not believe it. The trauma of the cross, the weight of disillusionment, and the scars on his own heart made him skeptical. In John 20:25, he responds, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails… I will not believe.” For this, he has been called “Doubting Thomas,” but in truth, he represents many of us—wrestling with questions, searching for certainty, longing for proof that the hope we once held is still real.

A full eight days passed before Jesus appeared again—and this time, He came for Thomas. “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side…” (John 20:27). Jesus didn’t scold him or cast him aside—He met him in his doubt and invited him to come closer. The risen Lord revealed Himself not only through presence but through the very wounds that purchased our peace. Those scars weren’t erased by the resurrection—they were glorified. Proof of suffering. Proof of love. Proof of victory.

Thomas’s response is one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture: “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28). No more doubt. No more hesitation. Just worship. The skeptic had become a believer—not because he figured it all out, but because Jesus graciously revealed Himself in the midst of uncertainty. And Jesus answered him with words that echo to us today: “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (v. 29). That blessing is for us—for every soul who believes the testimony of the empty tomb, though we have not seen it with our eyes.

The story of Thomas is not one of shame—it’s one of hope. Jesus welcomes the doubter. He draws near to the questioning heart. If you find yourself struggling to hold onto faith in the face of pain or disappointment, remember this: your Savior is not afraid of your doubts. He invites you to bring them to Him. Come close. See the scars. Hear His voice. And let your heart be filled with faith once more. The risen Christ is still revealing Himself today—to all who are willing to believe.