How can we support those struggling with doubt, like Thomas in John 20:24? setting the scene John 20:24–25 tells us, “Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he replied, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.’ ” Thomas is not a rebel; he is an honest disciple who longs for solid ground. Eight days later, Jesus graciously gives him that ground (vv. 26–29). learning from the Lord’s approach • Jesus comes to the doubter; He does not wait for Thomas to climb out of his confusion. • He speaks peace first (“Peace be with you,” v. 26), calming the turmoil before addressing the doubt. • He provides evidence—scars that can be touched (v. 27). • He invites a response: “Stop doubting and believe” (v. 27). • He commends future believers who will trust without physical sight (v. 29). principles for supporting doubters today 1. Presence before answers • Show up, listen, share life. Doubt often shrivels in the warmth of genuine fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25). 2. Patience without panic • Jesus waited eight days; we can wait too. Jude 22 urges, “And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt.” 3. Point to tangible evidence • Share fulfilled prophecies (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). • Offer historical proofs of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). • Tell your own testimony—living “scars” that prove Christ’s work (Revelation 12:11). 4. Open Scripture together • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Read the Gospels aloud; let the living Word introduce Himself (John 20:31). 5. Encourage honest prayer • God welcomes the cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). • Remind them that the psalmists often wrestled aloud with God (Psalm 73). 6. Guard their dignity • Never shame a doubter. Jesus addressed Thomas by name and gave him space to investigate. 7. Celebrate every step toward faith • When Thomas exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), Jesus receives the confession with joy. Do the same when a struggling friend takes even a small step forward. guarding our own hearts while helping others • Stay rooted in truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Pray in the Spirit, knowing Christ intercedes for both you and the doubter (Romans 8:26–27, 34). • Keep the goal in view: a fellow believer who can one day strengthen others (Luke 22:32). seeing doubt become devotion Thomas moves from skepticism to the highest confession in John’s Gospel. The same Lord still meets modern skeptics. As we mirror His patience, peace, and truth, we become the welcoming community where doubts can safely die and wholehearted worship can live. |
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