Fisherman's boat in Sabang beach shoreline
John 20:24-29 - "Do Not Doubt but Believe"
Scripture Passage:
**John 20:24-29 (NIV)**
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and unless I put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Reflection:
In this passage, we meet Thomas, often known as "Doubting Thomas." His initial skepticism is relatable for many of us who grapple with doubt in our faith. When confronted with the miraculous news of Christ's resurrection, Thomas demands tangible proof before he can accept what the other disciples are proclaiming.
**1. The Nature of Doubt:**
Thomas's doubt highlights a fundamental aspect of human nature. We desire certainty in a world full of uncertainties. His insistence on needing physical evidence is not merely an act of unbelief; it reflects a deep yearning for truth and assurance. Have you ever found yourself in a position where you struggled to believe? How did you navigate those moments?
**2. Encounter with the Risen Christ:**
A week later, despite the locked doors, Jesus appears to His disciples, addressing both their fears and Thomas’s doubts. His invitation to Thomas is deeply personal: “Put your finger here; see my hands.” Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, offering him the proof he sought. This serves as a reminder that Jesus is not distant or indifferent to our struggles; He desires to meet us in our uncertainty.
**3. The Call to Believe:**
When Jesus tells Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe," He invites him—and all of us—into a deeper faith. Faith is not about having all the answers or eliminating doubt entirely; it's about trusting in the One who holds the answers. Jesus's response is not one of condemnation but of gentle encouragement. How might you respond to Jesus's invitation to shift from doubt to belief in your life?
**4. The Blessing of Belief:**
Jesus concludes with a powerful affirmation: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This pronouncement extends to us today. While we may not have physical proof of the risen Christ, we have the testimony of Scripture, the witness of fellow believers, and the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Reflect on the ways you have experienced God's presence in your life. How can these experiences strengthen your faith?
Discussion Questions:
1. What does this passage teach us about the nature of doubt and faith?
2. How can we support one another in times of doubt within our church community?
3. In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God fully? How can you seek to overcome these doubts?
4. How can we share our personal experiences of faith to encourage others who may be in doubt?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for meeting us in our doubts and for inviting us to believe in You. Help us to recognize Your presence in our lives and to trust Your promises, even when we cannot see them. May we support one another in our journeys of faith, and may our hearts be open to Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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