MESSAGE NOTES
Sunday May 4, 2025
From Doubt to Devotion: The Story of Thomas
Text: John 20:24-29
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1. Honest Doubt & Divine Invitation
Thomas is unfairly labeled “Doubting Thomas,” yet others failed too:
From Doubt to Devotion: The Story of Thomas
Text: John 20:24-29
~
1. Honest Doubt & Divine Invitation
Thomas is unfairly labeled “Doubting Thomas,” yet others failed too:
- Peter denied, Judas betrayed, Philip questioned, the Eleven feared, James & John lobbied for power, and the inner three fell asleep.
-But only Thomas is reduced to his moment of grief.
His words in John 20:25 weren’t prideful — they were spoken from heartbreak, shame, and deep disappointment -from anguish.
Jesus doesn’t rebuke him; He invites him: “Put your finger here... Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (v. 27)
*Honest doubt, when brought to Jesus, becomes an invitation for deeper intimacy.
Jesus doesn’t rebuke him; He invites him: “Put your finger here... Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (v. 27)
*Honest doubt, when brought to Jesus, becomes an invitation for deeper intimacy.
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2. The Broken Body of Christ
Thomas may never have actually touched Jesus’ wounds — he simply responds, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28)
Like the Emmaus disciples who recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, Thomas recognizes Him in the revealing of His wounds.
Jesus still bears His scars — they matter. They preach the gospel.
*True faith is not just about seeing; it’s about knowing Jesus through His presence and sacrifice.
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2. The Broken Body of Christ
Thomas may never have actually touched Jesus’ wounds — he simply responds, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28)
Like the Emmaus disciples who recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, Thomas recognizes Him in the revealing of His wounds.
Jesus still bears His scars — they matter. They preach the gospel.
*True faith is not just about seeing; it’s about knowing Jesus through His presence and sacrifice.
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3. Conclusion: Courageous Thomas
Thomas was more than a doubter — he was the first to confess Jesus as “Lord and God” after the resurrection.
Earlier, he had said, “Let us go also, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16)
Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” are a reassurance, not a rebuke.
Tradition says Thomas took the gospel to India, where he was martyred — by a spear.
*Final Thought: Jesus meets us in our doubts and calls out courageous faith that changes the world.
Thomas was more than a doubter — he was the first to confess Jesus as “Lord and God” after the resurrection.
Earlier, he had said, “Let us go also, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16)
Jesus’ words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” are a reassurance, not a rebuke.
Tradition says Thomas took the gospel to India, where he was martyred — by a spear.
*Final Thought: Jesus meets us in our doubts and calls out courageous faith that changes the world.