Series: Hidden Heroes (Week 5)
Podcast: The Bible Unplugged (TBU)
Host: J. Brent Eaton
Bible Translation: World English Bible (WEB)
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Introduction
Thomas has been labeled “Doubting Thomas” for centuries, but John’s Gospel tells a deeper story. Thomas isn’t rejecting faith—he’s refusing to pretend. After the crucifixion, he wants truth he can trust, not borrowed belief from someone else.
This episode explores how Jesus responds to honest doubt—not with shame, but with invitation—and how Thomas ends up making one of the strongest confessions of faith in the entire New Testament.
Who Was Thomas?
John identifies Thomas as “Didymus”, meaning “twin” (John 20:24). John also gives us insight into Thomas’ personality through earlier scenes:
John 11:16 — Thomas shows loyalty and realism: “Let’s also go, that we may die with him.”
John 14:5 — Thomas asks the question others won’t: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
(This leads to Jesus’ famous response: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”)
Thomas is not portrayed as a cynical skeptic. He is a devoted disciple who is deeply affected by loss and refuses to fake certainty.
The Hidden Hero Moment in John 20
The locked room and fear
After Jesus’ death, the disciples are gathered behind closed doors “for fear” (John 20:19). Jesus appears and begins with peace: “Peace be to you.”
Thomas isn’t there
When the others tell him, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas responds with a condition (John 20:25). He wants to see and verify the wounds—hands and side—because he wants the real Jesus, not a rumor or an illusion.
Eight days later
John emphasizes the passage of time (John 20:26). Thomas lives with unresolved tension for a full week.
Jesus meets Thomas directly
Jesus returns and addresses Thomas’ exact need:
“Reach here your finger… Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20:27)
Jesus does not ridicule Thomas. He meets him with compassion and invitation.
Thomas’ confession
Thomas responds with one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ identity:
“My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28)
Key Themes
Doubt is not automatically sin
Doubt can be part of being human—especially after trauma or disappointment. The issue isn’t whether doubt appears, but what we do with it.
Jesus can handle honest questions
Thomas is not punished. He is invited into encounter. Jesus is not fragile—He meets seekers with grace.
Scars remain—and they matter
The risen Jesus still bears wounds. Resurrection doesn’t erase the cost of love. The scars become testimony, not shame.
Faith becomes strongest when it becomes personal
Thomas doesn’t merely acknowledge Jesus as Lord—he says “my” Lord and “my” God. Not borrowed belief. Personal surrender.
Takeaways From the Story
Stop pretending—honesty is not the enemy of faith.
Keep seeking—doubt becomes dangerous when we stop looking.
Let Jesus meet you where you are—faith deepens through encounter, not pressure.
Challenge for the Week
Name one doubt you’ve been afraid to admit—even to God—and bring it to Jesus in prayer without dressing it up.
Then watch how God answers: through peace, insight, people, Scripture, or quiet inner assurance.
Breath Prayer:
“When I have doubt… reassure me You are here.”
Scripture References (WEB)
John 20:19–31 — Jesus appears; Thomas’ doubt; Thomas’ confession
John 11:16 — Thomas’ loyalty and realism
John 14:5–7 — Thomas’ question that leads to clarity
Next Week (Week 6 Preview)
Next episode: Peter — not just his denial, but how Jesus restores him and turns failure into purpose.
