| Series | Professions of Faith |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Recognising Jesus - 1. ILOAINA O IESU |
| Colour | Lanu Mūmū |
Scripture Focus: Ioane 20:26-29
After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace be to you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me,you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.”
- John 20:26-29 (WEB)
Study:
In this powerful passage, we witness Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas," confronted with a challenge to his faith. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas initially refuses to believe the testimony of his fellow disciples without physical proof. Jesus graciously appears again, inviting Thomas to touch His wounds to remove all doubt. This encounter leads Thomas to a profound confession, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus then blesses those who believe without seeing. This passage highlights the transition from doubt to faith through a personal encounter with the risen Christ and reminds us of the blessing of believing without physical evidence.
Application:
Thomas’s experience encourages us to bring our doubts and questions to Jesus honestly. Just as Jesus met Thomas where he was, He meets us in our uncertainties and invites us into deeper faith. In today’s world, faith often means trusting God despite not seeing Him physically. Jesus’ blessing on those who believe without seeing reassures us that our faith is precious and valued. We can be confident that God honors sincere faith, even when we wrestle with doubts.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways have I experienced doubt in my faith journey?
- How can I be more honest with God about my doubts and questions?
- What does believing without seeing look like in my daily life?
- How can I encourage others who may struggle with doubt?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us in our doubts and inviting us into faith. Help me to trust You more fully, even when I cannot see You. Strengthen my belief and deepen my relationship with You so that I may boldly proclaim, "My Lord and my God." Bless all who seek You without seeing, and fill us with Your peace. Amen.
Tags: Thomas, Doubting Thomas, Faith, Belief, Jesus resurrection, Trust in God, Christian faith, Bible study, John 20, Seeing is believing, Spiritual doubt, Faith journey