Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” 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.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  — John 20:24-29

Throughout this Gospel, Thomas has been presented as a realist who evaluated situations based on what he could see. Some portray him as a pathetic doubter. But he is not. He is simply a man who wants a little more evidence on which to base his beliefs. Really, we should thank Thomas for asking the question he did because his question is one of the defining moments of this Gospel. His doubt clarifies Jesus's mission—to turn all from unbelief to the great confession—“My Lord and my God!”

Today, let’s pray for that one person you know who still harbors doubts. Pray that they will ask the questions and find the answers in Jesus. And if you are feeling courageous, ask them the questions they have yourself. Invite a dialogue about Jesus. And then pray in this conversation that the God of the universe will show up and transform their doubts into belief so they may see and make the great confession—“My Lord and my God!”

ASK THIS:

How do you identify with Thomas's desire for tangible evidence in your faith journey? How has your need for proof impacted your relationship with God and others in your faith community?

Reflect on a time when you or someone you know experienced a profound shift from doubt to belief. What role did community, prayer, or personal encounter play in this transformation? How can you encourage those currently wrestling with doubt in your small group or church?

DO THIS: Pray for a doubter today.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the courage to bring my doubts before You, trusting that You will lead me from uncertainty to a place of confidence. Help me be a beacon of Your truth and love to others seeking to make that same journey from skepticism to the great confession of "My Lord and my God!" Amen.

PLAY THIS: Good Plans.