Doubting Thomas: What Did Jesus say about Doubting Thomas

The episode of Doubting Thomas is recounted in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 20:24-29. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appears to His disciples, but Thomas, one of the Twelve, is not with them when Jesus comes. The other disciples tell Thomas that they have seen the Lord, but he expresses skepticism and declares he will not believe until he can see and touch Jesus’ wounds for himself.

A week later, Jesus appears to His disciples again with Thomas present this time. He invites Thomas to touch His wounds and says to him, “Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas responds with a confession of faith, saying to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus then says to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Relevant Bible Verses:

1. John 20:24-29 (ESV):

• “Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘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.’ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”

Three Main Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Faith Beyond Sight: Jesus highlights the blessedness of those who believe without needing physical evidence. This underscores a foundational aspect of Christian faith—that belief in Jesus and His resurrection does not rely on physical proof but on trust in God’s Word and work.
2. Jesus’ Patience and Compassion: Despite Thomas’ doubts, Jesus does not rebuke him but meets him where he is at, offering the evidence Thomas feels he needs to believe. This demonstrates Jesus’ understanding and compassion towards human weaknesses and doubts.
3. Thomas’ Confession of Faith: Once Thomas sees and touches Jesus, he makes one of the most explicit declarations of Jesus’ divinity in the New Testament, “My Lord and my God!” This shows that encountering the risen Christ transforms doubt into profound faith and recognition of His true nature.