John 20:24-29

Doubt to Belief

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 20:24-29, NLT) 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Observation

• Thomas is known by the church as the guy who doubted. These verses tell the story of what happened.

• The word “believe” is used four different times in these few verses. 

• Jesus uses the phrase, “Peace be with you” again. 

• Jesus meets Thomas in his unbelief, allows him to touch him so he can experience the empirical reality standing in front of him, and challenges him to believe. 

• Jesus also identifies that “blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” This would be the majority of humanity. Including me. 

Application

• Jesus meets us where we are in our journey. 

• Jesus speaks peace over my life. 

• I believe without seeing. Yet I now see so much. 

Prayer

Jesus, Prince of Peace, speak peace over my life this day. I receive you and all the peace that comes with knowing you. I place my faith and trust in you. I have never seen you in the physical, but I believe. I believe by faith. I am blessed because of this. I see so much now because I placed my faith in you. Thank you for showing me so much. I desire more. Like Jabez, I pray you would bless me and expand my influence, purpose, and impact. In Jesus' name, amen! 

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