How can John 20:27 inspire us to address our own spiritual doubts? Setting the Scene “Then He 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) The resurrected Jesus stands before Thomas. The wounds are real, the invitation is personal, and the command is crystal-clear: leave doubt behind and embrace belief. What Jesus Did About Doubt • He initiated the conversation, proving He knows the hidden struggle in every heart • He offered tangible evidence, showing that faith in Scripture’s record rests on historical fact • He spoke a gracious imperative—“Stop doubting and believe”—affirming that faith is a choice empowered by His presence • He allowed Thomas to touch His wounds, confirming the literal, physical resurrection promised beforehand (John 2:19-22) What This Means for Us • Doubt is neither ignored nor condemned when brought into Christ’s light • Honest questions find answers in the risen Lord who still speaks through His Word • The same Jesus who met Thomas meets believers today through the Spirit-breathed Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) Practical Steps to Address Our Own Doubts 1. Come near to Christ in Scripture • Read resurrection accounts (John 20–21; Luke 24) and let the factual details steady the heart 2. Voice the doubt honestly • Follow the pattern of Psalm 73:1-2, 16-17, moving from confusion to clarity in God’s presence 3. Seek tangible reminders of His work • Recall answered prayers, communion bread and cup, testimonies of changed lives—modern “wounds” that confirm He lives 4. Obey the call to believe • Act on what you know: worship, serve, share the gospel; belief strengthens through obedience (John 7:17) 5. Ask for help from God and His people • “I do believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) • “Have mercy on those who doubt.” (Jude 22) 6. Pray for wisdom without wavering • “But he must ask in faith, without doubting.” (James 1:5-6) Further Scriptural Anchors • John 20:29—Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe • Isaiah 26:3—Perfect peace for the mind stayed on God • Hebrews 11:1—Faith as assurance of what is hoped for, conviction of what is unseen • 1 Peter 1:8-9—Believing without seeing leads to inexpressible joy Summary John 20:27 shows Jesus meeting Thomas’s skepticism with patient evidence and a firm call to faith. By bringing our doubts to the living Christ, immersing ourselves in His trustworthy Word, and stepping forward in obedient belief, we experience the same transformation from uncertainty to confident, joy-filled trust. |
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