“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.’” – John 20:27
Bible Verses About Thomas
Faith and Doubt
In our walk as Christians, we often grapple with moments of doubt. Just like Thomas, we may find ourselves questioning what we cannot see or fully understand. Thomas was the disciple who doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he witnessed it for himself. Yet his story reminds us that belief and doubt can coexist. We too can voice our uncertainties, and God meets us there, encouraging us to have faith in Him despite our struggles. Our journey with doubt can lead to a deeper, more resilient faith when we seek the truth that lies in Christ.
John 20:25
“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 put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’” – John 20:25
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” – Mark 9:24
Luke 24:39
“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” – Luke 24:39
John 20:27
“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.’” – John 20:27
Matthew 14:31
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” – Matthew 14:31
Being Bold in Our Questions
We often think questioning faith is a sign of weakness. However, Thomas teaches us that asking questions is an essential part of understanding our beliefs. It shows our desire to reach a deeper connection with God and the truth of His word. We can be bold in our questions and seek answers from God through His Word and prayer. Being unafraid to question allows us to explore our faith and grow spiritually. We can come to a place where we not only believe but understand why we believe.
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 2:3-5
“Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” – Proverbs 2:3-5
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
The Transformation of Faith
Every encounter with doubt has the potential to transform our understanding of faith. When we allow God to work through our uncertainties, just like Thomas, our faith can grow exponentially. The moment we choose to lean into our struggles instead of turning away from them, it can lead to an empowering transformation. When we see God’s hand at work in our lives, we deepen our relationship with Him, seeing His faithfulness manifest in our daily experiences. We can take comfort in knowing that even our struggles with faith can lead us to a significant awakening.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1
1 Peter 1:8-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9
Jesus Understanding Our Doubts
Our Savior knows our hearts and understands our struggles better than anyone else. Just as He lovingly provided evidence for Thomas to believe, Jesus is always ready to embrace our doubts with grace and compassion. He does not chastise us for our uncertainties, but rather, He invites us to bring our questions to Him. This profound understanding is comforting. It encourages us to approach Him without fear, knowing He cares for us and seeks to help us find clarity and truth in our doubts.
Psalm 139:1-2
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” – Psalm 139:1-2
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
John 6:37
“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” – John 6:37
The Importance of Community Support
Thomas’ journey also showcases the value of community and fellowship among believers. When he doubted, it was his fellow disciples who brought him the good news and faith they had encountered with the risen Christ. We need each other to share our experiences and affirm one another in faith. This support builds us up, encouraging us to trust in God and enriches our understanding of His Word. Together, we can explore our doubts and nurturing friendships can lead us further toward the truth.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
The Hope of Resurrection
Thomas’ experience encourages us to embrace the hope found in the resurrection of Christ. It teaches us that even in our low moments of doubt, there exists a transforming power and resurrection hope. When we believe that Jesus not only rose from the dead but also conquered our doubts and fears, we can embark on new beginnings filled with hope and purpose. This incredible news changes everything in our lives and drives us forward with peace and assurance in our hearts.
1 Corinthians 15:55
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” – Romans 6:5
Philippians 3:10-11
“I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” – Philippians 3:10-11
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” – Revelation 21:4
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’” – John 11:25-26
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the life of Thomas, we are reminded that doubts are a natural part of our faith journey. We can learn from his experiences, knowing it’s okay to question and seek understanding. Jesus does not shy away from our doubts but instead invites us closer to Him in our moments of struggle. Community plays a vital role in this journey, as we encourage each other and share in each other’s faith. Ultimately, the promise of resurrection gives us hope and strength to overcome any uncertainties, knowing we can trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Each story we encounter, like Thomas’, serves to remind us of God’s immense love and understanding. As we navigate our paths, may we carry the assurance that our questions can bring us closer to the truth of Jesus.
For those who wish to deepen their understanding of Thomas in particular, I encourage you to explore John 20:4 and John 20:19-21.