People Jesus Noticed — The Doubting

Life often feels more like a storm on the sea than a quiet brook. Sometimes fear clouds our vision, casting doubt into our hearts. This can be alarming, as Jesus often questioned His disciples about their doubts. Internally, it can make us feel we don’t belong. “I see how Jesus dealt with them … how then would He deal with me?”

A story about Jesus and a disciple reveals His approach to doubt. The fear that doubt will result in rejection is common. However, the main idea is that Jesus addressed the disciples' doubt thoughtfully, reminding us to recall how He actually responded, rather than focusing only on fears of condemnation.

In John 20:24-29, Jesus and Thomas interact. This comes after His death, after the resurrection. His death was a mind-breaking event; even with all the preparations made to provide teaching and assurances through promises, it still had a profound effect on the disciples’ minds. They all went their own way — going about their regular lives, not living in anticipation of the third day, the day He would rise from the dead. Jesus has made appearances among most of the disciples, ten of them, but Thomas was not with them. Their doubts have been quenched, but his doubts still persist. He received the report (Jn 20:24), yet remained skeptical (Jn 20:25).

Now enters Jesus, eight days later — why so long? Perhaps to give Thomas time to contemplate. Nonetheless, Jesus appears before Thomas, offering His hands and His side for inspection. With this comes not a harsh rebuke — not a word of displeasure, rather, a call for clarity, “Do not disbelieve, but believe” (Jn 20:27). After which, Thomas will respond, “My Lord, and my God!” (Jn 20:28).

Honest self-evaluation would lead me to think I, too, would have fallen into the camp of doubt — they all did, why would I be any different? Additionally, an honest evaluation of the story would remind me that simply having doubts does not lead to refusal — rather, Jesus would seek to reinforce my faith. Additionally, I would learn this crucial point — I have to look.

Life is messy and distracting. It becomes a ground for testing — are His promises true and sure, or are they just words on ancient paper? A conscious step back and an observation of life would show me that He lives and that He is faithful to His promises. Doubts should be cast out, but being faced with them will not cast me out.