Day 39 - Seeing or Believing?

by Grace Outlaw

John 20:24-29

I have some friends who are pranksters, practical jokers, and sometimes downright trolls. If I walked into a room and they started telling me the impossible had happened – you won the lottery! So-n-so celebrity just walked by and wanted to meet you! (Your best friend and mentor was just resurrected from the dead!) I guarantee I would be skeptical at best, and downright dismissive on a bad day!

Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, gets me! In John 20, after Jesus has been resurrected, and already appeared to most of the disciples, we encounter Thomas. He happened to not be present when Jesus had appeared to his friends, so it’s really no surprise that he doesn’t believe them, when they tell him of this miracle!

Instead, Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

Gross, but honestly, who can blame him? Thomas’ doubt is a story that resonates with many of us. In our modern world, we have the luxury of science, technology, and empirical evidence – the idea of believing without seeing can feel uncomfortable, or even counterintuitive.

When told of Jesus’ resurrection by his friends, Thomas responds with skepticism. He needs tangible evidence – to see and touch Jesus’ wounds – before he can believe. This reaction is profoundly human.

How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, requiring concrete evidence before we can accept something as truth? (To be honest, in a world of AI generated images and clickbait news articles, I wouldn’t mind a bit more skepticism.) In my daily life I rely on data, facts, and observable phenomena to make my decisions and form opinions.

As a kid, this made faith even more difficult for me, personally. When people (parents, teachers, pastors) couldn’t answer my questions, they all responded in the same way: just have faith. Frankly, that’s like telling someone with anxiety, ah, just don’t worry about it! 

Faith requires us to step beyond the boundaries of what we can observe. For me, and for many of us, being told ‘just have faith,’ ‘just pray more,’ ‘just trust in God’ can make us feel like our doubt makes us a ‘bad Christian.’ But, I love what Jesus does here…

“A week later, Jesus appeared again, this time with Thomas present. He invited Thomas to touch his wounds, saying, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’” (John 20:27)

Jesus met Thomas where he was. He invited his questions. He offered Thomas proof. He didn’t rebuke Thomas for his doubt. He provided what Thomas needed to believe! And Thomas’ response was immediate! “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) I think it’s safe to say God understands our very human need for assurance.

This moment of revelation is so important to me because it implies doubt is not the opposite of belief, but a part of it. Thomas’ doubt led him to a deeper, more personal encounter with Jesus! Our questions and uncertainties can be stepping stones to a stronger and deeper faith.

Thankfully, reconciling faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Our rational minds can inform and enrich our spiritual beliefs, and vice versa. Whenever we’re challenged with navigating our own doubts and questions, let’s remember Thomas. His story reminds us that it’s okay to seek answers, to question, and to doubt. These are not weaknesses, but opportunities for growth and deeper understanding.

When in doubt, pray for God to provide you with what you need to have faith, and trust that he will meet you where you are!