The original ‘doubting Thomas’
Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!’
Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jesus said to him, ‘Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!’ (verses 27-29)
Read John 20:19-31
Poor Thomas! He had his doubts at the start, and, let’s face it, wouldn’t we have had some difficulty believing the story of Jesus’ return to life?
Some two thousand years on, anyone questioning something is sometimes labelled a ‘doubting Thomas’. The incident in our Bible reading is about the original ‘doubting Thomas’, but his story and its consequences can be a valuable lesson for those of us who have doubts.
When Thomas was confronted with the evidence for Jesus’ victory over death, he was able to exclaim with conviction and joy, ‘My Lord and my God!’ No longer did he doubt—he did a complete turnaround. He became a great missionary for Christ, and he eventually gave his life for the courage of his conviction.
Pray God that all those who doubt may see the living Jesus as shown in the Bible and also exclaim in conviction and joy, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Dear Lord, when I have my doubts and fears, show me again in your word that you are indeed alive and with me always. Amen.
by Grace Bock, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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