What Jesus Did! 'Someone to Doubt for Us?' — John 20:24-25

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Thomas (called Didymus) was not with the followers when Jesus came. Thomas was one of the twelve. The other followers told Thomas, "We saw the Lord." Thomas said, "I will not believe it until I see the nail holes in his hands. And I will not believe until I put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side."
— John 20:24-25 NLT
Illustration of John 20:24-25 NLT — "We saw the Lord." —— "I will not believe it until I see the nail holes in his hands. And I will not believe until I put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side."

Key Thought

Some churches don't want you to ask honest questions. That's sad, I think. For most us, after we are Christians awhile, we kind of get trained to know which questions to ask and which ones to let go. That's where new Christians can be so refreshing. They ask bold and honest questions. They're not afraid to seek for the Lord and find his answers. Thomas is our designated doubter. His doubts and questions enable our doubts to be expressed and to receive an answer from the Lord himself. Let's be careful not to squash honest and seeking questions. Of course our goal isn't the question, but an authentic faith in the Lord who is the answer to our questions!

Today's Prayer

Father, stir my heart to continue to seek after you. I want to know more about you and I also want to be more aware of your presence in my life. I want my character to be more completely conformed to your will. So please know that my doubts and questions are my seeking you and not some random tidbit of knowledge. Give me the Spirit of revelation to know you more completely so that I might be transformed by your will rather than being conformed to the culture around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 7:7-8
  • Ephesians 1:15-17
  • Romans 12:1-2

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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