Thomas, the disciple we dub “Doubter,” looked for God in the details. You see, Thomas was an identical twin. He knew the gravity of mistaken identity, how a freckle or a dimple or a slight stoop could make all the difference in confirming identity. So when Jesus showed himself to the rest of the disciples when Thomas wasn’t home, Thomas’s doubt demanded unique identifying details in order to be satisfied. Could he place his hands in the nail-scarred hands of Christ? Could he touch the spear-wound in His side?
So many of us are allergic to doubt in ourselves and in others. To be fair, Jesus did say “blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” Certainly, those folks who believe without seeing are happier, more fortunate, less angsty.
But Jesus comes to us, as he did to Thomas, in our doubt. He knows exactly what we think we need in order to believe. Sometimes he gives us exactly that. Other times, he makes us wait for something better so that we will know that He is God.
This Eastertide, I implore you, don’t cast off faith because of the presence of doubt. Attend to your doubt. Because doubt that pays attention over time, plus the presence of Jesus, equals the soil out of which great faith may unfurl heavenward.
Scripture Passage: John 20:19-31
Listen to the full audio above or search “Dear Exiles” wherever you listen to podcasts. This message was originally preached on April 24, 2022, at CityChurch in Iowa City.
Hey! Thanks for being here. I’m a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. Find out more about coaching at www.heatherweber.org. For essays and podcasts that come straight to your inbox, subscribe to this Dear Exiles newsletter in the subscription box above. Fun fact: I’m also the author of Dear Boy:, An Epistolary Memoir and the host of the Your Pastor Reads Books podcast.
Share this post