Welcoming Doubt
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 20:19-31 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
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.” John 20:25
Meditatio (Meditation)
It's the evening of the first day of the week, and the disciples are gathered together, locked in fear behind closed doors. They're shaken, confused, and uncertain about what the future holds. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, standing in their midst, His presence breaking through their fear like a beacon of hope. But Thomas, one of the disciples, isn't there. And when he hears about Jesus' appearance, he's skeptical. "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," he declares.
Yet, Jesus doesn't scold Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He meets him right where he is. A week later, Jesus appears again, and this time, Thomas is with the disciples. Jesus invites him to touch His wounds, to see and believe. And in that moment, Thomas' doubt gives way to profound faith as he declares, "My Lord and my God!" It's a powerful reminder that Jesus meets us in our doubts and invites us into deeper faith. He doesn't demand blind allegiance; He welcomes our questions, our uncertainties, our struggles. He invites us to come as we are, with all our doubts and fears, and to encounter Him.
Take a moment to consider what you just read. Imagine yourself in the room with the disciples, feeling the weight of their fear and uncertainty. Consider Thomas' doubt and Jesus' gentle response. What does this encounter reveal to you about the nature of doubt and faith?
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Thomas is displaying raw honesty and reasonable doubt. Haven't we all been there? Haven't we all wrestled with doubt at some point in our journey of faith? It's part of being human, part of the messy process of seeking truth and understanding. After all, it’s not every day that someone rises from the dead. A resurrection is too much to believe. Unless there is proof, belief is hard to extend. Jesus appears to Thomas and He greets him with compassion and understanding. There is no condemnation or lecture for having doubts. Jesus simply invites Thomas to touch Him. To see for himself that He is real. Thomas responds to the reality he is witnessing by saying, “My Lord and my God.”
When we look at the resurrection, and faith in general, our response can be like Thomas — unless there is proof, belief can seem hard. Doubt could either be used as a barrier towards faith and an excuse to stand still or be utilized as an opportunity to take a step of faith. The choice is ours. This is why we must look into the claims of Christ and the events surrounding His resurrection. If Jesus lived and merely died, then we should give Him little concern. He would be just a footnote in history. But if He lived, died, and rose again, then we must look closer at His life and the implications it should have on our lives.
Take a moment to share your doubts, fears, and questions honestly with Him. Ask for His guidance and strength to trust Him more fully, even in moments of uncertainty. Thank Him for His patience and love, demonstrated through Jesus' interaction with Thomas.
Actio (Action)
God is strong enough to handle your questions. He isn’t intimidated by your doubts. He welcomes them. Jesus didn’t rebuke Thomas for his doubt but invited him to touch His wounds to see firsthand that He had conquered death. The invitation to a conversation is an invitation to fellowship with Him. Don’t ignore the tension and pretend like it isn’t there. Likewise, don’t keep your questions unasked and to yourself. Share them with people who care about your character, integrity, and walk with God. Questioning God with a humble heart, a receiving spirit, and an open mind can be just the spark needed for sustained growth and transformation.
God knows our hearts and when we come to him genuinely wanting to learn, grow, and be transformed amid the questions. So, come to Him with your concerns. Doubt can either be a or be utilized as an opportunity to believe. Faith is not having all the answers, but being convinced enough to commit – trust that is able to take a step. It is our faith that pleases God because faith requires trust and humility. Honest doubt fuels pursuit. It starts with opening our hearts to His presence, with cultivating a posture of trust and surrender. It means leaning into His promises, even when the world around us is shaking. It means walking by faith, not by sight, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Take a moment to consider how you can apply the lessons learned from this passage to your life. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's presence, even when you can't see the way forward?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude for your unwavering love and grace. In my moments of doubt, help me to turn to you, knowing that you meet me with understanding and compassion. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and lead me to trust in you more deeply each day, believing in your presence even when I cannot see. Amen.