The story of Doubting Thomas is about a disciple named Thomas who doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes. This story is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 20, and teaches us about faith and belief.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Bible Verse: John 20:19-20
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples. They were afraid and had locked themselves away. When Jesus appeared, He showed them His wounds, and they were happy to see Him alive.
Thomas Doubts
Bible Verse: John 20:24-25
“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘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.'”
Thomas wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. When they told him about it, he didn’t believe them. He said he needed to see Jesus’ wounds himself to believe that Jesus was truly alive.
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Bible Verse: John 20:26-27
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'”
A week later, Jesus appeared again to His disciples, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds and told him to stop doubting and believe.
Thomas Believes
Bible Verse: John 20:28
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”
After seeing and touching Jesus, Thomas believed. He called Jesus his Lord and God, showing his faith.
The Blessing of Believing Without Seeing
Bible Verse: John 20:29
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”
Jesus pointed out that Thomas believed because he saw Him. Jesus said those who believe without seeing are blessed, teaching us about the importance of faith.