From Doubt to Belief: Thomas’s Story

John 20:24-29

“Unless I see…I would not believe…. Blessed are those who do not see me but believe.”

Have you heard the saying: Seeing is believing? On Thursday, January 15th, after the announcement of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal that would free the hostages, many hostage families interviewed on the major national news stations were with Thomas “until we see them.” Have you ever been in a situation like that? Today’s sermon explores the transformation from doubt to belief in the disciple Thomas’s life, as depicted in John 20:24-29. The apostle Thomas is often known for his doubts. However, his story is one of transformation—from doubt to faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As we delve into John 20:24-29, we’ll explore how Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ can help us address our doubts and strengthen our faith.

The Doubt (John 20:24-25): Thomas, upon hearing the news of Christ’s resurrection, expressed doubt, insisting that he needed to see and touch Jesus’s wounds to believe. This reveals a human struggle – needing physical evidence to believe in the supernatural.

Reflection: Can you relate to Thomas’s doubts? Have you ever found believing in God’s promises without physical evidence challenging?

The Encounter (John 20:26-27)

Jesus, in His compassion, appeared to Thomas, inviting him to see and touch His wounds. This personal encounter with the risen Christ is what brought transformation in Thomas’s life.

Reflection: Have you had personal encounters with Christ that transformed your doubts into beliefs? How did these experiences impact your faith journey?

The Confession (John 20:28): Upon encountering Jesus, Thomas makes one of the greatest confessions of faith in the New Testament, “My Lord and my God!”. This pivotal moment demonstrates the transformation from doubt to belief.

Reflection: Can you recall a pivotal moment in your faith journey when you acknowledged Jesus as “My Lord and my God”? What was the situation?

Living by Faith, Not by Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7; John 20:29): Jesus commends those who believe without seeing. This affirms the essence of faith – believing without seeing, as echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Reflection: How can you cultivate a faith that believes without seeing? How does the story of Thomas inspire you to trust in God’s promises even when you don’t see the evidence?

The story of Thomas’s journey from doubt to belief offers valuable lessons for us all. It highlights that doubts, when brought before Jesus, can be transformed into a stronger faith. Thomas’s life encourages us to believe in Christ’s resurrection and His promises, regardless of what we see. This inspires us to live by faith, not by sight, trusting in God's character and promises even in the midst of uncertainty.