Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.5 — Thomas and Faith
8.5 — Thomas and Faith: Questions gave way to worship in the presence of the risen Christ.
8.5 — Thomas and Faith
My Lord and My God
Not every disciple saw Jesus on resurrection evening.
One of the Twelve was absent.
His name was Thomas.
Because of what happened next, he is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas.”
Yet that description tells only part of the story.
Thomas was honest about his questions.
He refused to pretend certainty when he was struggling.
But his story does not end in doubt.
It ends in one of the strongest declarations of faith found anywhere in the Gospels.
The encounter between Jesus and Thomas reminds believers that Christ is not threatened by honest questions.
He meets people where they are and leads them toward faith.
Scripture References
John 20:24–31
Psalm 27:13
Isaiah 26:3–4
Hebrews 11:1
1 Peter 1:8–9
The Story
After Jesus appeared to the disciples, they excitedly told Thomas:
“We have seen the Lord!”
Thomas struggled to believe their report.
He replied:
“Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
Eight days later, the disciples gathered again indoors.
This time Thomas was present.
The doors were shut, but Jesus suddenly stood among them.
As before, His greeting was:
“Peace be with you.”
Then Jesus turned directly toward Thomas.
He invited him to examine the wounds.
He said:
“Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
The Gospel does not record Thomas actually touching Jesus.
Instead, he responded immediately with one of the greatest confessions of faith in Scripture:
“My Lord and my God!”
Jesus then said:
“Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
Understanding the Story
Was Thomas the Only Doubter?
No.
Many disciples struggled initially to believe the resurrection reports.
Thomas is remembered because his questions are recorded in detail.
Why Did Thomas Want Evidence?
The resurrection was extraordinary.
Thomas wanted confirmation before accepting such an incredible claim.
His response reflects a desire for certainty rather than simple stubbornness.
Why Did Jesus Return?
Jesus cared about Thomas.
Rather than rebuking him harshly, Jesus provided what Thomas needed to move toward faith.
Understanding Jesus
Why Did Jesus Show His Wounds?
The wounds demonstrated continuity between the crucified Jesus and the risen Jesus.
The same Savior who died on the cross now stood alive before them.
Why Is Thomas’ Statement Important?
When Thomas declared:
“My Lord and my God!”
he acknowledged both Jesus’ authority and His divine identity.
This is one of the clearest affirmations of Jesus’ deity in the Gospels.
What Does Jesus Teach About Faith?
Jesus blesses those who believe without personally seeing Him.
Future generations of believers would come to faith through the testimony of witnesses and the truth of Scripture.
Understanding Jesus: Faith and Evidence
Christian faith is not blind belief.
The resurrection is supported by eyewitness testimony, transformed lives, and historical evidence.
Thomas demonstrates that asking questions is not wrong.
The goal is to bring those questions honestly to Christ.
Faith often grows as understanding grows.
Old Testament Connections
Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to trust His promises.
Abraham believed God’s word.
Moses trusted God’s guidance.
The prophets proclaimed God’s truth before seeing its fulfillment.
Thomas joins a long line of believers who move from uncertainty to confidence through encountering God’s faithfulness.
Missing Context Check
Was Thomas Wrong to Ask Questions?
Not necessarily.
The problem was not the questions themselves but remaining unwilling to believe after receiving the evidence.
Why Is This Story Included?
John specifically says his Gospel was written so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Thomas’ journey mirrors the journey of many readers.
What Makes Thomas Significant?
His final confession expresses one of the clearest statements about who Jesus truly is.
A Deeper Look: Honest Questions and Genuine Faith
Many Christians experience seasons of doubt or uncertainty.
Thomas reminds believers that questions do not automatically destroy faith.
In fact, honest questions can lead to deeper understanding.
The key is bringing those questions to Christ.
Jesus did not reject Thomas.
He met him.
The result was not weaker faith but stronger faith.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other resurrection appearances and teachings.
Key Themes
Jesus Meets People Where They Are
Christ responded personally to Thomas.
Faith Is Grounded in Truth
The resurrection rests on real events.
Honest Questions Can Lead to Faith
Seeking understanding is not the enemy of belief.
Jesus Is Lord and God
Thomas’ confession reveals Christ’s identity.
Why This Lesson Matters
Many people today wrestle with questions about faith.
Thomas demonstrates that believers are not required to ignore those questions.
Instead, they can seek answers while remaining open to God’s truth.
The resurrection invites thoughtful faith, not blind faith.
The risen Christ still meets people in their uncertainty and leads them toward trust.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Risen Lord.
The Son of God.
The One Who Meets Doubters.
The Source of Faith.
The Living Savior.
Jesus invites people not only to believe in Him but to know Him.
Living the Message
Bring your questions honestly to God.
Study Scripture thoughtfully.
Remember that faith grows through trust and understanding.
Encourage others who are struggling with doubt.
Worship Jesus as Lord and God.
Reflection Questions
Why did Thomas struggle to believe?
Possible answers:
He wanted evidence of the resurrection.
How did Jesus respond?
Possible answers:
He appeared to Thomas and invited him to examine the wounds.
What was Thomas’ confession?
Possible answers:
“My Lord and my God!”
What does this story teach about faith?
Possible answers:
Faith can grow through honest encounters with truth.
How can believers respond to doubt?
Possible answers:
By bringing questions to Christ and seeking understanding.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Thomas encountered the risen Jesus and moved from doubt to faith.
Reasons We Believe
The resurrection is supported by eyewitness testimony and transformed lives.
Obedience in Action
Bring your questions honestly to God.
Walk It Out
Encourage someone who may be struggling with faith.
Related Lessons
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.2 Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Christ
8.4 Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
Related Pages
Heaven, Death, Resurrection, and Eternal Life
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Thomas began with questions.
He ended with worship.
Standing before the risen Christ, he made one of the greatest declarations in Scripture:
“My Lord and my God!” — John 20:28
The doubter became a believer, and his story continues to encourage Christians who are seeking faith and understanding today.
