The Road He Chose: The Honest Skeptic

"Can we visit him in Heaven? Why would he leave us?" I don't think I will ever forget my 6-year-old daughter asking me these questions as we sat on her bedroom floor mourning the loss of a loved one. She was not present for the final moments of our loved one's time here on earth, and it was a reality she did not want to hear or accept.

After Jesus died on the cross, the disciples were gathered together in the Upper Room and Jesus appeared to them. For some reason, Thomas was not there. Perhaps he took some time to himself to grieve. Later, the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas replied, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:24-25)

This was a big demand. He not only wanted to see the nail marks, but he wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds as well. Without doing this, he said he would never believe. He was honest and didn't try to hide his doubt from his friends who were all rejoicing. 

Eight days later, the disciples were inside the Upper Room again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:26-27)

Jesus did not scold Thomas for doubting. He already knew what Thomas needed to believe and He graciously offered him evidence. Jesus did not have to show his scars, but He loved Thomas and so he gave him what he asked for. But then he requires him to stop disbelieving and believe.

Scripture does not explicitly say that Thomas touched Jesus in response to this, but Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:28-29)

For Thomas, and for many of us, seeing is believing. But Thomas’ doubt represents a genuine quest for the truth, not an opposition. Earlier, Jesus had warned the disciples of His imminent departure and that He was going to His Father’s house to prepare a place for them. Thomas’ honest skepticism and inquisitive nature prompted him to ask, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In his desire to understand, Thomas asked one of the most important questions in Scripture. How many of us, myself included, miss out on so much because we don't ask! 

When my daughter was seeking the truth, I wanted to give her answers that made her feel better and removed all doubt. But I've come to realize that this is the first gift of mystery that Heaven is giving to my daughter. It is the beginning of a lifetime of learning the art of faith. Faith is not the absence of doubt. Faith is the means to overcome doubt, and God's word gives us so many examples of this.

Moses doubted God's power. He doubted God could use someone like him to make a difference. (Exodus 3:11)

Elijah doubted God's plan. He thought God’s good plan had failed, and he didn’t see the point of living anymore. (1 Kings 19:4)

Job doubted God's character. In the face of his suffering, Job questioned God’s justice and fairness. (Job 3:11)

Mary's first reaction to the angel’s announcement that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus was, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”. She was humble and honest about her uncertainties. The angel answered her question with one of the greatest statements in the Bible: “Nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:26-37)

God reassured Moses and gave him power as proof of His presence. God responded to Elijah by providing him with reassurance, guidance, and company. God met Job's questions with grace. Jesus lovingly met Thomas at the exact point of his need and then guided him back to faith.

Jesus promoted a humble, honest faith in God, and He used the innocence of a child as an example. (Mark 10:14-15) My daughter is just beginning her faith journey, and I want her to know why she believes and not just because I told her so. We will seek answers to our doubts and questions in His Word and pray together. God understands our struggles better than anyone. He will strengthen our faith, and like Thomas, we will be able to confess, “My Lord and my God!” in full confidence of who Jesus is (John 20:28).