What Thomas, the "Doubting Disciple" Teaches Us About Faith and the Heart of Jesus

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:28 (ESV)

I like to think I have an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ—but if I’m being honest, my faith does waver at times.

What about you? How would you describe your faith?

Strong? Wavering? Fragile? Unsure?

It seems that one day my faith lens helps me see who Jesus is, understand what is true, and trust what God is doing—even when I don’t fully understand it. The next day, that same lens becomes foggy, leaving me with more questions than answers. Sometimes I can even have doubts.

If you’ve ever had doubts too, you and I are not alone. You’ve likely heard of the disciple known as “Doubting Thomas,” right? Well, today we’re taking a closer look at what Thomas teaches us about our faith and the heart of Jesus by examining each of the three times he speaks in the Gospel of John.

Honestly, I think “Doubting Thomas” is an unfair title—Thomas did more than doubt, as you’ll soon see.

When Jesus told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep [died], but I go to awaken [resurrect] him” (John 11:11), they immediately objected. After all, it had not been that long since the Jews in Judea—the very place Jesus would have to return in order to raise Lazarus in Bethany—had tried to stone Him.

But Thomas said to the other disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).

Does it seem like Thomas is exhibiting doubt here? No—he’s exhibiting both faith and a lack of understanding, just as we sometimes do.

You see, Thomas didn’t realize that Jesus was about to reveal His authority over death by raising Lazarus to life. He only saw the danger in returning to the very place where people had recently tried to stone Jesus, not that He was about to reveal through action—not just words—who He is: the Son of God.

My faith can be like that too—missing the possibility that Jesus may be preparing a miracle or an answer to prayer through the very difficulty I’m facing, and instead focusing on the struggle itself—just as Thomas did, convinced it will all end in disaster.

Still, Thomas was willing to follow Jesus—even when he didn’t understand where He was leading.

With Thomas’ desire to follow Jesus in mind, imagine his confusion when Jesus told the disciples He was going to prepare a place for them (in heaven)—and that not only did they know where He was going, but they also knew the way (John 14:2–4).

Instead of silently trying to figure out what Jesus meant, Thomas asked Him directly:

“Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5)

Thomas isn’t expressing doubt here either—he’s expressing honest confusion. I’ve certainly experienced this in my own journey of faith and maybe you have, too.

Oftentimes, I go to everyone but Jesus with the things I’m struggling with, hoping for answers only He can provide. It’s easy to do that, isn’t it? But Thomas has much to teach us: go directly to Jesus.

And look at Jesus’ reassuring response to Thomas in John 14:6:

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus didn’t rebuke or chastise him for his lack of understanding—He helped him understand by clearly showing him the way. And He still does that today for you and me.

Okay, now let’s look at the moment that earned Thomas the name “Doubting Thomas.” It’s the only time we see him doubt, so I stand by my claim that the title seems unfair. And quite honestly, if someone told me what the disciples told Thomas, I think I’d have my own share of doubts.

After Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11–17), He later appeared to the disciples that evening (John 20:19). However, Thomas was not with them, so the other disciples told him they had seen the risen Lord (John 20:25).

Thomas responded, “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 20:25).

Friend, Jesus didn’t allow Thomas to remain in his unbelief, and He doesn’t want us to either.

Eight days later, He appeared again to the disciples when Thomas was with them. After greeting them with, “Peace be with you,” He turned to Thomas and said, “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).

There are a few things I’d like to point out here:

First, I find it so interesting that Jesus waited eight days before He appeared to Thomas. Why not go to him the next day so he wouldn’t be left doubting?

This is just my own speculation, but I wonder if Jesus allowed those eight days to prepare Thomas for the truth—giving him time to mull over his doubt so that when he finally saw Jesus, he would be overcome by the truth of who Jesus is. And maybe that’s why He doesn’t simply take away the struggle you and I may be facing now—He’s preparing to reveal more of Himself to us at the right time.

Next, we see once again that Jesus doesn’t rebuke or chastise Thomas—this time for his doubt. Instead, He invites Thomas to touch Him in the very places He was wounded for his—and our—sins. In doing so, He leads Thomas out of his doubt and into belief by revealing undeniable evidence of who He is.

Lastly, doubt can strengthen our faith—but only if we continue to seek Jesus and don’t allow it to lead to stubbornness. Left unchecked, stubbornness can harden our hearts and weaken our faith. But—and I will proclaim this until my last breath—our stubbornness doesn’t change the truth. Don’t ask me how I know.

Just like Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas, He will reveal Himself to us in our moments of doubt. Thomas had the physical presence of Jesus. We have the Holy Spirit.

In the end, Thomas’ doubt led him to declare: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

By declaring “My Lord,” Thomas acknowledged the authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. By declaring “my God,” he affirmed His divine nature.

There’s no doubt about it—“Doubting Thomas” gave one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ deity in the Gospel of John.

Loved one, do you proclaim Jesus as your Lord and your God?