Devotional: I Doubt It

Week of May 17: I Doubt It.

Table talk: People have doubts. Jesus asks people to believe.

Read John 20:25-29
Here is a resource for children: https://sermons4kids.com/seeing_is_believing.htm

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “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.”

[26] Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” [27] 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.” [28] Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (ESV)

Say: After Jesus rose from the dead, the scars on His physical body remained. Thomas had a difficult time believing Jesus’ resurrection was true. You know what your mom says -- “Don’t say never or always!” Well, Thomas said of Jesus’ resurrection, “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.” Oops! A week later, Jesus appeared to Thomas and the disciples. Thomas not only saw the truth; he felt the truth with his hands. Jesus told Thomas, "do not disbelieve, but believe.”

Ask: What about Jesus do you find difficult to believe?
What truth from the Bible seems too good to be true?

Say: Whatever about Jesus or truth from the Bible you might find difficult to believe, Jesus has a simple word for you: believe! Have faith! Take courage! God's Word is true because God breathed it. You can trust God. You can trust His Word. He gained our trust by dying for us and rising from the dead.

Pray: Jesus, thank you that your life and your words are true. In these days, we need absolute truth. You are absolute truth. We proclaim You today as the way, the truth, and the life. Give us strength and courage when we struggle with doubt.