VS. April 22, 2025 Devotional

JOHN 20:25-29 | ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” ²⁶ A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Jesus’ Resurrection focus was on meeting His struggling disciples in the midst of their grief and their fear. Both the grief and the fear were multiplied by their doubts. With the terrible death of their friend whom they believed to be the Messiah, surely the movement was over? The authorities had triumphed!? Surely the investment of three years of their lives gone and their futures compromised!? They had staked everything on Jesus and His promises, and lost.

In this third appearance, we see Jesus address this doubt, in the person of Thomas, who has heard reports of the Resurrected One, but knows it is too good to be true. Jesus bears the marks of the cross in His body—He is no phantom of a fevered imagination. Thomas makes the greatest confession in John’s Gospel: “My Lord and my God.” Then Jesus adds a beatitude! Just for you and I: “Blessed those who have not seen and still believe.”

When have you had to overcome doubts to find faith?

Gracious God,

Thank You for helping us deal with doubts as well as grief and fear. We believe! Help with us with our unbelief.

Amen.