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Thomas, often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," deserves to be respected for his faith. His doubts had a purpose—he wanted to know the truth. He expressed his doubts fully, but didn't idolize them. When Jesus answered them, he gladly believed. When you struggle with doubt, take encouragement from Thomas—and from countless other followers of Christ who've battled their doubts, and found God's answers.

John 20:24-31

1. What truth is there to the statement: "Better to doubt out loud than to disbelieve in silence"?
2. What evidence is there (v. 26) that Thomas's doubts didn't constitute rejection?
3. What do Jesus' words to Thomas (v. 27) tell you about the physical nature of a body that had just entered a locked building?
4. Was Jesus hard on Thomas for his doubts?
5. Do you think Thomas took Jesus up on his offer? Why or why not?
6. Why (v. 29) do you think Jesus called those who believe without seeing blessed?
7. What (v. 31) is the nature of that blessing?
8. What (vv. 30-31) gives us our solid basis for belief?

Ask God to help you put your doubts in perspective as you lay them out before him, and to reinforce your faith as you wholeheartedly trust him.

24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[a] was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 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."

26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!"

28 "My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed.

29 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank You, Lord, that while what I believe is beyond comprehension, it's never contrary to reason.

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