Thomas Doubts - Then Sees the Risen Jesus
Thomas Doubts – Then Sees the Risen Jesus
"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 not believe." — John 20:25
We’ve all been there.
That moment when faith feels impossible. When doubts scream louder than promises. When everyone else seems sure—but you? You need proof.
That’s where Thomas was. And his story isn’t here to shame the doubters—it’s here to give them hope.
Because the same Jesus who appeared to Thomas in that locked room? He’s still showing up for doubters today.
The Scene: A Room Full of Fear and Wonder
It was Sunday evening. The disciples were huddled behind locked doors, terrified that what happened to Jesus might happen to them next. Then—suddenly—He was there.
Not a ghost. Not a vision. Jesus Himself, standing among them, scars and all.
"Peace be with you," He said.
He showed them His hands—the nail wounds still visible. He showed them His side—the spear mark still there. The room erupted in joy.
But someone was missing.
Thomas.
Thomas Returns to Skepticism
When Thomas came back, the others couldn’t wait to tell him:
"We have seen the Lord!"
But Thomas shook his head. He wasn’t buying it.
"Unless I see the nail marks in His hands… unless I put my finger into the scars… unless I touch His side—I won’t believe."
Some call him "Doubting Thomas," but let’s be honest—he wasn’t asking for anything more than the others had already received. They’d seen Jesus. They’d heard Him. Thomas just wanted the same proof.
And Jesus? He didn’t scold him for it.
Eight Days Later: Jesus Comes for One
A week passed. The disciples were together again, Thomas with them this time. The doors were still locked.
Then—just as before—Jesus stood among them.
"Peace be with you," He said again.
Then He turned to Thomas.
"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Jesus didn’t shame him. He met him right where his doubt was loudest.
And Thomas didn’t even need to touch the scars.
One look at Jesus—alive, breathing, knowing his very thoughts—was enough.
"My Lord and my God!" he cried.
Jesus’ Words to Every Doubter
Then Jesus said something we all need to hear:
"Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
He wasn’t scolding Thomas. He was blessing us—the ones who wrestle with faith in a world full of shadows.
Why Thomas’ Story Matters
1. Doubt Isn’t the Enemy of Faith—It’s Part of It
Faith isn’t the absence of questions. It’s choosing to trust even when you’re still wrestling.
2. Jesus Isn’t Afraid of Your Questions
He didn’t turn Thomas away. He came specifically for him.
3. Seeing Isn’t Always Required—But Sometimes, He Shows Up Anyway
Jesus blessed those who believe without seeing. But He also showed up for the one who needed proof.
What This Means for Us Today
For the Doubters
You’re not failing at faith. You’re working it out. And Jesus isn’t avoiding your questions—He’s walking right into them.
For the Certain
Don’t judge the Thomases. We all have moments where faith feels impossible.
For the Church
We need to be a place where doubts can be spoken—not silenced. Because Jesus never turns a doubter away.
Final Thought: He’s Still Showing Up
Thomas needed proof. Jesus gave it.
You? You might never get the same physical encounter. But that doesn’t mean Jesus isn’t reaching for you.
Maybe it’s in the quiet whisper when you’re desperate for answers.
Maybe it’s in the friend who speaks truth when you’re drowning in doubt.
Maybe it’s in the way Scripture suddenly clicks after years of confusion.
However He does it—He will meet you.
Because the same Jesus who walked through walls for Thomas?
He’s still showing up for doubters today.
Reflection Questions:
Where are your biggest doubts right now? Have you brought them to Jesus?
When has God met you in your uncertainty?
How can you create space for others to voice their doubts without shame?
May we all have the courage to say, like Thomas, "My Lord and my God!"—even when faith feels impossible.
Amen.
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone wrestling with doubt—they’re not alone.