Why Did Thomas Doubt? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 19, 2023

Why Did Thomas Doubt? | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | July 19, 2023Show more

But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” John 20:25

It’s interesting to study the reaction of Jesus’ disciples and followers after the crucifixion and resurrection. Peter has his own encounter with Jesus which leads to restoration and commission. The two walking on the road to Emmaus did not even realize they had been in His presence until He had left, saying “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). But it is Thomas, doubting Thomas, who really is an interesting character. Despite the eyewitness accounts of those who had walked and talked with Jesus, Thomas refused to believe. He had to see the nail marks and touch the wounds of his Savior.

We can easily discount Thomas for his doubt and lack of faith. We can say we would have reacted differently and been more willing to believe. But the fact is, everyone can have a “doubting Thomas” moment in their life. A point at which we don’t want to believe unless we see, touch, hear…until our senses are aware. But what is faith? It is the evidence of things of unseen (Hebrews 11:1). It is believing without having everything laid out in front of us. And it is blessed because Jesus takes time to qualify it: Jesus said to him [Thomas], “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Are we willing to believe without seeing?

Question for today: Can I see that what caused Thomas to doubt is the same thing that can cause my doubt as well? How do I believe without seeing?

Pray: God give me faith to believe even when my default is to doubt.

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