I am Doubting Thomas

Text: John 20:24-29
Service Date: 4.27.25

Sermon:
A week after the resurrection of Jesus and we have a disciple that is doubting the
resurrection. It seems that Thomas was away when Jesus showed himself to the rest of the
disciples. So, it makes sense that he would have doubts and concerns about the news of the
resurrection.

Thomas was not criticized for his absence, but he still missed out. There was a blessing for
those that were present that Thomas did not receive. Even in the moments of the reliable
witness, Thomas is unable to wrap his mind around the concept of the resurrection. He could
not believe what he was hearing.

A week later, Jesus again appeared to the disciples, this time with Thomas present, despite
the locked doors. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds, fulfilling Thomas' demands for
proof.

Jesus wasn’t hard on Thomas for his doubts, even though many Christians and pastors would
consider Thomas’ doubts “unreasonable, obstinate, prejudiced, presumptuous, and insolent.”
Despite his skepticism, Thomas was still loyal to the believers and to Jesus himself.

Having faith is often complicated and is a process of growth; Some people need to voice
their doubts before they believe. If doubt leads to questions, and questions lead to answers,
and if the answers are accepted, then doubt has done good work.

Thomas' confession is a turning point in his faith and understanding of the world as he
understands it. When he encountered the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and marked his
acceptance of Jesus' divinity and his resurrection. It's also a reminder that faith can grow and
deepen even when faced with uncertainty.

If Thomas was not able to express his doubts and explore the questions that he had, he never
would have fully experienced the potential of his faith and his ministry. According to many
traditional accounts, Thomas preached in Persia and India.

 I believe this is the reality for many of us. We ask questions and we think critically. We need
the freedom to do that as we grow. We need the freedom to encounter the truth on multiple
levels. In fact, I believe that embracing our doubts and asking our questions opens our minds
up to the possibly of the answers that we seek. The fear of embracing doubts comes from the
possibly that one would lose their faith, but I believe that our doubts and our questions are
apart of discovering the world around us.

When you have doubts, don’t stop there. Let your doubts deepen your faith as you continue
to search for the answers. Every question and doubt are an opportunity to grow and learn as a
spiritual being.

Conclusion: Let us be people who embrace our doubts and open our minds to the various
possibilities and answers that we will seek.