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Part 16
Doubting Thomas
The story of Doubting Thomas is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of John. It revolves around one of Jesus' disciples named Thomas, who had doubts regarding Jesus' resurrection and declared that he would not believe unless he saw and touched the wounds of Jesus.
After Jesus' crucifixion and burial, he appeared to his disciples on the evening of the first day of the week. However, Thomas was not present at the time. When the other disciples told Thomas about Jesus' resurrection, he expressed disbelief, stating that unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus' hands and put his finger into the wounds, he would not believe.
A week later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, including Thomas. He invited Thomas to touch his wounds and encouraged him not to doubt but to believe. Overwhelmed by this encounter, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" In response, Jesus blessed those who have not seen him and yet have believed.
The significance of Doubting Thomas' story lies in several key aspects:
1. Honest doubt and faith: Thomas' doubt and skepticism demonstrate the struggle that many individuals face in their journey of faith. His willingness to express his doubt openly allows for a genuine encounter with Jesus and serves as a reminder that faith is a continual process of questioning, seeking, and wrestling with beliefs.
2. Encountering the risen Christ: Jesus' appearance to Thomas highlights the reality of his resurrection and his desire to engage with individual doubts and strengthen faith. It emphasizes that personal encounters with the living Jesus can profoundly impact belief and lead to transformation.
3. Proclamation of Jesus' divinity: Thomas' declaration of "My Lord and my God" is a powerful proclamation of Jesus' identity as both Lord and God. It reinforces the central Christian belief in the deity of Christ and acknowledges his authority and divinity.
4. Blessedness of faith: Jesus' statement about the blessedness of those who believe without physically seeing him extends to believers throughout generations. It affirms that faith can be rooted in trust, despite not having direct physical evidence, and that such faith is pleasing to God.
The story of Doubting Thomas reminds believers that doubts and questions are not necessarily barriers to faith but can serve as opportunities for growth and a deeper encounter with the living Christ. It emphasizes the importance of encountering Jesus personally, embracing faith even without tangible evidence, and recognizing his divinity and lordship. Through this story, individuals are encouraged to seek a genuine relationship with Christ and affirm their faith in him as Lord and God.
