"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.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27-28)

"From Doubt to Faith: A Reflection on John 20:27-28"

John 20:27-28 captures the life-changing moment when Jesus appeared to Thomas after His resurrection, inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas, who had doubted, immediately responded in faith, declaring, “My Lord and my God!” This passage reminds us that Jesus meets us in our doubts and calls us to believe. His presence reassures us that even when we struggle, He is patient and faithful to strengthen our faith.

Meditation

"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.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27-28)

Thomas, often known as “Doubting Thomas,” struggled to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without seeing physical proof. He wanted tangible evidence that Jesus had truly risen. When Jesus appeared to the disciples again, He did not condemn Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He lovingly invited him to see and touch His wounds.

Thomas' response was immediate and powerful—“My Lord and my God!” His doubt turned into deep faith, and this moment teaches us several lessons about belief, patience, and the transforming power of encountering Jesus.

1. Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt

Many of us, like Thomas, have moments of doubt. We may struggle with unanswered prayers, difficult seasons, or uncertainties about God’s plan. But Jesus does not reject those who doubt. Instead, He meets us where we are and gives us reasons to believe.

• Jude 1:22 encourages us: “Be merciful to those who doubt.”
• Isaiah 41:10 reassures us: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Jesus understands our struggles and invites us into a deeper faith.

2. Faith is Not Just Seeing—It’s Trusting

Thomas wanted physical proof, but Jesus taught that true faith goes beyond sight. Faith is trusting in what we cannot see.

• Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
• John 20:29 – “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

God may not always show us immediate proof, but He calls us to trust Him fully.

3. Doubt is Not the End—It Can Lead to Deeper Faith

Thomas' doubt did not disqualify him. Instead, his encounter with Jesus transformed him into a bold believer. Church history tells us that Thomas became a missionary, spreading the gospel in distant lands, even to India.

Your doubt does not mean your faith is weak— it means you are seeking truth. If you bring your doubts to Jesus, He will strengthen your faith and give you confidence in Him.

4. Jesus Invites Us to a Personal Relationship

Jesus did not just appear and say, “Believe because I told you to.” He personally invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Jesus desires a personal, intimate relationship with each of us. He wants us to experience His love, grace, and power firsthand.

Are you seeking Jesus in a personal way? He is always inviting you closer.

Bible verse of the Day

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for meeting me where I am, even in my doubts. I confess that there are times when I struggle to trust fully. Strengthen my faith and help me to believe in Your promises, even when I cannot see the outcome.

Jesus, just as You invited Thomas to come closer, I ask You to draw near to me. Let me experience Your presence in a deeper way. Remove any fears, uncertainties, or doubts that keep me from trusting You completely.

May my faith grow stronger every day, so that I can boldly declare, “My Lord and my God!” Use my life to bring others closer to You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.