Doubting Thomas

Thomas is a well-known disciple of Jesus—not necessarily because of his accomplishments, but because of a nickname that stuck: Doubting Thomas. However, when we take a closer look at Thomas's story, we find a man marked not just by doubt, but by deep devotion and courageous faith. Thomas is primarily mentioned in the Book of John, which is where we see a complex portrait of someone who wrestled with fear and uncertainty, yet remained fiercely committed to Jesus.

A Pessimist’s Courage (John 11)

In John 11, Jesus decides to return to Judea after hearing that His friend Lazarus has died. The disciples hesitate—they know Jesus is walking into danger. The last time He was there, the religious leaders tried to stone Him. To them, this seems like a suicide mission.

But Thomas speaks up in verse 16: "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

It’s easy to hear pessimism in Thomas's words—and perhaps rightly so. He believed the worst would happen. He thought Jesus would die in Bethany, and that following Him would mean death for them, too. But here’s the powerful part: even in his fear, Thomas followed. He didn't let his anxiety stop his obedience. He didn’t need optimism to remain loyal.

Thomas would rather die with Jesus than live without Him. He saw no life apart from Christ—and even in believing the worst, he remained devoted. That kind of faith, birthed in pessimism but expressed in courage, is both rare and incredibly admirable. His words may sound grim, but they revealed a man who saw death with Jesus as better than life without Him.

A Heart That Longed to Stay Close (John 14)

In a different moment, in John 14, Jesus tells His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them. He assures them that they "know the way to where I am going." But Thomas, honest and practical, replies in verse 5: "Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?"

Again, we see Thomas' personality—he wants to understand. Thomas was clearly a pragmatic man who measured risks and followed diligent steps. He was also a man whose love for Jesus rises to the surface. He doesn’t want to be separated. His question isn’t rooted in skepticism but in longing. In a way, what he is saying is: Tell us how to find You, Jesus, because we don’t want to lose You.

The Famous Doubt (John 20)

Now comes the famous doubt that ended up giving Thomas his nickname. Jesus had been crucified and buried. Three days later, He rose again and appeared to the other disciples—but Thomas wasn’t there. When they told him, "We have seen the Lord," Thomas responded in verse 25:

"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."

And then another question arises: Where was Thomas? Scripture doesn’t say. But it’s very possible, given his deep love for his Teacher, that he was grieving alone. Maybe he was too heartbroken to be with the others. Maybe his worst fear—that Jesus was truly gone—had overwhelmed him. And then, to return and hear the others say they had seen Jesus? That might have made the pain worse. He didn’t just miss Jesus. Now he missed seeing the resurrected Jesus with his own eyes.

And so, he makes a bold declaration: unless he can physically touch the wounds, he won’t believe. It’s easy to call this doubt, but really, this looks more like deep grief and longing. Thomas wasn’t dismissing Jesus; he was desperate for Him. His heart was broken. He missed his beloved Master.

Jesus Meets Us in the Doubt

Eight days later, Jesus appears again. This time, Thomas is present. And Jesus doesn’t rebuke him at all. He says: "Put your finger here, and see My hands. Put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." (John 20:27)

Of course, Jesus knew exactly what Thomas had said. But He met him exactly where he was. He gave him what he asked for. No condemnation—just compassion. And Thomas responds with a bold and heartfelt declaration:

"My Lord and my God!"

His doubt was swallowed by worship. His uncertainty melted into conviction. The one who questioned became the one who confessed. Jesus then says, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

And this became the blessing promised to us: the ones who, unlike Thomas and the other disciples, must walk by faith and not by sight—the ones who perceive God's glory and trust His presence even without tangible proof.

Faith That Grew Stronger

Thomas’s doubts didn’t disqualify him. In fact, they became the soil in which deeper faith was planted. History tells us that Thomas went on to carry the gospel as far as India. He became one of the boldest witnesses to the resurrection. And eventually, he gave his life for the gospel—martyred by being run through with a spear. The man who doubted the wound in Jesus's side, caused by a spear, would one day die with a spear of his own.

Thomas's story reminds us that doubt can coexist with devotion. That honesty doesn’t drive Jesus away; it draws Him near. That the Saviour meets us, not with shame, but with peace. He understands our questions. He invites us closer.

It’s okay to have doubts. We all do from time to time. But it’s important to keep in mind that we don’t want to stay there too long. Let’s never be comfortable with our doubts. Instead, let our doubt become a starting point for deeper pursuit: let’s research more, learn more, read the Scriptures, and pray more. These practices are not just spiritual disciplines; they are faith builders. They help strengthen our belief and draw us closer to the heart of God.

The Invitation

So what about you? What doubts are you carrying? Maybe you’ve asked: Where was God when I needed Him? Why did He let that happen? Does He really care? Is He even real?

If that’s you, you’re not alone. You’re not condemned. And like Thomas, your doubt can lead you to a deeper encounter. Jesus is the answer to your doubts. He meets you in locked rooms and in seasons of despair. And He gently says, “See My hands. See My side. Believe.”

Faith isn’t the absence of questions. It’s the presence of Jesus in the midst of them. So today, bring Him your uncertainty. Bring Him your questions. And let your doubt, like Thomas’, become the doorway to worship: “My Lord and my God!”.