On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20 NIV)

Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-25 NIV)

• All the disciples were struggling with their faith.
• Everything they thought they understood about Jesus has been shaken by the crucifixion.
• Thomas vocal about his struggles with his faith: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

#1: Faith Can Exist in the Middle of Fear and Doubt

“The disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders” (John 20:19 NIV)

• All they could see was despair. They were not certain about their faith.
• Sometimes faith doesn’t look like certainty, like you got it all together, like you understand.
• Sometimes faith looks like showing up again, even when you’re unsure.

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20 NIV)

• Their belief, their faith was not perfect, but it was developing.

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)

• The struggle is the part in us that does not believe.
• Out of the dad’s mouth, we get this most honest prayer in scripture.

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV)

• This prayer shows us that God does not reject imperfect faith – He responds to it.

God does not reject imperfect faith, He responds to it.

• Stop thinking you need perfect faith to come to Jesus.

#2: Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubt

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” (John 20:26-27 NIV)

• Jesus was with Thomas. He stooped down to Thomas’ level of understanding.
• Jesus was not offended as his request. You want evidence, let me show you the evidence.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

(Psalm 34:17, 18 NIV)

• God does not distance Himself when we struggle.

God is not waiting for you figure it out – He meets you where you are.

• Bring your questions to God instead of running from Him.
• Expect God to meet you personally.

#3: Honesty Leads to Deeper Faith

Thomas represents the honest believer – the one who loves Jesus but still wrestles with doubt, fear, and unanswered questions.

“Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25 NIV)

• His honesty positioned him for a personal encounter with Christ

Thomas said to him, “MY LORD AND MY GOD!” (John 20:27-28 NIV)

• His honesty deepened his faith in who Jesus was to him personally.
• We’ve all wrestled with fear, disappointment, and confusion.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 NIV)

• Not perfect believers. Not fearless believers. But willing believers

CONCLUSION:

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this messa