“Thomas’ Journey of Faith”
Welcome again to Holy Week on "A Miracle Every Day", where we’re looking at seven real-life stories of transformation.
It’s Good Friday today, the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross—for us. We remember His pierced hands—for us.
And those pierced hands are memorable for another person we’re looking at today—Thomas. You know, I have always felt that Thomas gets a bad rap! After all, he is not just Thomas, but forever known as “Doubting Thomas”!
Can we be honest? We all have our moments of doubt, don’t we? When life gives more questions than answers, when God doesn’t seem to answer a prayer, and when things don't line up with what we expect—our faith can waver.
I don’t think Thomas was a perpetual doubter. No, I believe Thomas was a realist, a man who needed to see, touch, and feel the reality of what he was being told.
Imagine the scene: the disciples are huddled together, fear clinging to them like a damp cloth. They've just heard the unbelievable news—Jesus is alive! But Thomas wasn't there. He missed it. And when they tell him, he responds with that infamous line, "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, NIV)
We might judge Thomas, but let’s look at ourselves. How often do we demand proof? How often do we say, "Show me, God, then I'll believe"? We want tangible evidence, a guarantee, a roadmap laid out before us. But, my friend, faith isn't about seeing; it's about believing even when we don't see!
Then, Jesus appears. Not just to the others, but to Thomas. He offers him the very proof he demanded. "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27, NIV)
What happens next is profound. Thomas doesn't just believe—he declares! He cries out, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, NIV)
It's not just intellectual assent; it's a heart-wrenching, soul-stirring recognition of who Jesus truly is!
Here's the transformation: Thomas moves from doubt to declaration. He goes from demanding proof to proclaiming the divinity of Jesus. And that, friend, is what Easter is all about. It's about encountering the Risen Christ and being changed by that encounter.
Are you struggling with doubts today? The life of Thomas shows us that Jesus meets us in our doubt! He doesn't condemn us for asking questions. He invites us to come closer, to see, to touch, to experience his presence. And when we do, we, like Thomas, can move from doubt to a powerful declaration of faith. Let that transformation begin in you today.
Jesus, we all have doubts. Thank you for not condemning us for our questions. God, we want to move so close to You that we can touch You. Bless us today to reach out to the skeptics in our world so that they can experience a God who leaves room for doubt—but draws us all to that powerful declaration, “Jesus, my Lord and My God!”
Never forget, friend, you are a miracle!
