How can John 20:26 inspire us to trust in Jesus during doubts? Setting the Scene: Locked Doors and Lingering Doubts John 20:26: “Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” • The disciples had eyewitness reports of the resurrection, yet fear still had them barricaded behind locked doors. • Thomas carried questions that kept him from fully believing (John 20:24-25). • Jesus waited eight days—long enough for doubt to settle in—then appeared. Jesus Breaks Through Barriers • Physical locks could not keep Him out; spiritual hesitation cannot keep Him away from us. • The risen Lord is not hindered by our circumstances, our past, or our uncertainty (Romans 8:38-39). • His initiative shows that faith ultimately rests on His pursuit, not our performance. Peace in the Midst of Fear • First words: “Peace be with you.” • Peace isn’t merely a feeling; it is the presence of the Person who conquered death (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7). • Jesus offers peace before Thomas believes—grace precedes faith. Personal Encounter Over Secondhand Reports • Thomas heard testimonies from trusted friends but needed a direct meeting. • Jesus honored that need, proving He isn’t threatened by honest questions (Jude 22). • Our faith is strengthened when we encounter Christ through Scripture and the Spirit (Romans 10:17). From Doubt to Declaration • Thomas’ response comes in verse 28: “My Lord and my God!” • Doubt turned to worship once he focused on the risen Christ, not on unanswered questions. • Jesus did not scold, but invited: “Stop doubting and believe” (v. 27). Practical Ways to Trust Jesus When Doubt Knocks • Recall His past faithfulness—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • Stay in community; Thomas was present with the disciples when Jesus appeared. • Immerse in His Word—faith grows through hearing (Romans 10:17). • Speak honestly with Him; He welcomes sincere petitions like the father’s cry, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). • Choose obedience even when feelings lag; trust deepens through practiced faithfulness (John 14:21). Other Scriptures Echoing the Same Assurance • Psalm 46:1—“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Matthew 28:20—“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Hebrews 13:5—“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • 1 Peter 1:8-9—Though we have not seen Him, we love Him and rejoice with inexpressible joy, receiving the salvation of our souls. Locked doors did not stop Jesus then; no doubt can stop Him now. His presence turns fear into peace and questioning into confident trust. |
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