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

Monday, December 19, 2022

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, "We have seen the Lord!"

But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side."

— John 20:24-25 NLT

Key Thought

Some churches don't want you to ask honest questions. That's sad, I think. If we have been Christians awhile in these churches, 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 conformed to your will. So please know that my doubts and questions are my seeking you and not my seeking 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; Acts 17:11
  • Ephesians 1:15-17
  • Romans 12:1-2

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Illustration

Illustration of John 20:24-25 NLT — "We have seen the Lord!" —— "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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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