JOHN 20
On Friday, Jesus was beaten, crucified, and buried in a borrowed tomb. After that, the disciples all scattered. They were followers of a convicted criminal, so they each had a target on their backs. Fear led them to hide in terror. With all the agony of Friday, they couldn’t even imagine the glory of Sunday. Jesus broke out of that borrowed grave!
We often have a bad tendency to “read the Bible backwards” since we’re fully aware that the resurrection is coming. Jesus’s followers were not expecting it, though. Thus, you can imagine their shock and celebration when Jesus appeared before them on the first Easter (20:19). All of the disciples got to embrace Jesus in joy, except Thomas (20:24).
When Jesus died, it undoubtably shook Thomas at the core. The doubting apostle was sure that Jesus was going to change the world, but then he had to watch him die a criminal’s death. He gave up everything to follow Jesus, and his entire world was falling apart after the tragic events of Friday. When the disciples told him that Jesus was alive, Thomas said, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands” (20:27). We often give Thomas a bad wrap, but I relate to him. It’s hard to believe something so glorious in the midst of the worst weekend of your life.
His doubts brought him closer to the divine. The same is true for you. Doubt is completely natural, but it’s crucial that your doubts start discussions. Ultimately, those honest discussions will fuel your faith. Be open and honest about your doubts and ask Jesus to increase your faith. When you focus on your faith, your doubts slowly disappear.