A question from Thomas: what Jesus does with doubt

We know Thomas as “the doubter”: the one who didn't believe before he saw. But look more closely: his reaction is very human, and Jesus' response is remarkably tender. This quest invites you to read the story and ask yourself: what does Jesus do with Thomas' doubt?

What it looks like in your day

Read John 20:24-29 slowly. Then note, in order:

1. What Thomas says. He wasn't there when Jesus appeared. The others tell him: “We have seen the Lord.” He demands proof.
2. What Jesus does. Eight days later, he comes back, and he goes to Thomas. He doesn't scold him. He offers him exactly what he asked for.
3. What Thomas answers. He doesn't need to touch: he confesses.
4. What Jesus says next. A word for Thomas, and a word for all those who will come after.

Then ask yourself: “Where do I doubt?” Subjects are not lacking: the prayer that isn't answered, the meaning of a trial, the reality of God, a passage in the Bible, my own forgiveness. Write it to God sincerely: “Lord, here is where I doubt.”

If you are short on time, read the passage and retain one idea. If you are in the middle of doubt, this story is made for you: Jesus comes looking for Thomas in the midst of his doubt. If you are shy, you can keep your question to yourself, but be honest with God.

What the Bible says

Here is the story:

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

A few remarks. First, Jesus comes back for Thomas: eight days later, he appears specifically to him. Doubt doesn't make him flee. Next, he doesn't reproach him for his request, but invites him to go beyond it: “Be not faithless, but believing.” Finally, Thomas' confession, “My Lord and my God,” is one of the strongest in the whole Gospel: it comes from a man who had doubted. Honest doubt leads to a firmer faith.

And the last word, addressed to those who haven't seen, is for us. It is not a reproach to Thomas, but a blessing for the generations that follow.

Pitfalls to avoid

Judging yourself for your doubts. Doubting doesn't mean not believing. Many believers go through periods of doubt. What counts is what you do with it: do you hide it, or bring it to Jesus?

Using the story to condemn skeptics. “Blessed are they that have not seen” doesn't mean that those who have questions are lesser. Jesus welcomes Thomas.

Withdrawing. Thomas could have left. He stayed with the disciples, and that is where Jesus met him. In doubt, stay in the community.

Demanding proof on your terms. Thomas sets a specific condition, and Jesus meets it. But that is not the usual way: most of the time, faith grows differently (through the Word, the community, experience).

Silencing your questions. A stifled doubt ends up growing. Write it, speak it, present it to God.

Today, read John 20:24-29. Write to God one thing you doubt, and note what Jesus did for Thomas.