Thomas: when doubt can fuel faith and belief

Thomas is known as the Doubter. Yes, he was a doubter; however, his doubt had a purpose. Many Christians are taught that we should not doubt. That doubt is a lack of faith. However, after studying Thomas and doubters throughout the Bible that is not the case! Thomas wanted to know the truth, so he asked questions and when his questions were answered, he believed! He expressed his doubts fully and had them answered completely. Doubting was his way of responding to new information; but it was not his way of life. Glimpses of Thomas are brief throughout the gospels; however, his character comes through with consistency. He was a man of faith who sought answers to his nagging questions. Thomas is not the first doubter in the Bible. Who was Thomas? Who were other doubters in the Bible? How does God respond to doubters? What lessons can we take from doubt? 

Thomas was an honest and loyal man. He was intense in belief and in doubt. Thomas didn’t idolize his doubt, he gladly believed when he was given reasons to do so. While his occupation is unknown, he was known for courage as well as his doubt. Courage? Yes, courage. In John 11:6, Jesus hears about Lazarus’s illness and to go back to Bethany after Jews tried to stone him (John 10:31) was dangerous for them. While the other disciples tried to talk Jesus out of going back to see Lazarus, Thomas replied, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). He didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus. However, he struggled to believe despite what he felt. Did he doubt because he so wanted to believe but felt it was impossible? The gospels do not tell us why Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after the resurrection; however, he was reluctant to believe their witness accounts. A week passed before Jesus appeared to Thomas, but he encouraged him to touch his wounds and believe (John 20:26-27). Jesus used Thomas’s doubt to show us that God does not reject honest doubt. 

The Bible is filled with doubters from Abraham and Sarah to Moses to the prophet Habakkuk and even John the Baptist. I would like to discuss three specific doubters. First, Gideon went from fearful farmer to mighty warrior. He was hiding from the Midianities as he was filled with fear about his own abilities and God’s presence. He would make excuse after excuse (Judges 11:15) and asked God to prove himself with sign after sign (Judges 11:17) and God gave him his sign (Judges 11:20-22) and other miracles (Judges 6:36-40). Second, Elijah went from faithful prophet to bold witness. Elijah is remembered as a great prophet; however, he still experienced moments of deep doubt and despair. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah flees for his life and begs God to end his life. God instead gave him rest and strength. He sent food and water and after a period of rest and with a renewed sense of purpose, Elijah became the prophet we all know (1 Kings 19:5-18). Lastly, the father of the demon possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29 asks Jesus “if he can” help his son. When Jesus questions the man’s if statement, the father proclaims “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” His faith was imperfect but he was trying and for that Jesus honored his prayer and healed his son (Childers, 2018). 

There are four lessons we can take from doubt. First, doubt is a common human experience. Tim Keller wrote that faith without doubt is like the human body without antibodies (Keller, 2008). Just as antibodies help the body’s immune system, doubt can help fuel faith. We can have doubts without living a life of doubt. Doubt can be used to pose questions, to get an answer and come to a decision. Doubt; however, becomes a problem when it is out of stubbornness and that stubbornness becomes a lifestyle that can harm faith and belief. Second, God can work through doubt with patience and understanding. God deals with honest doubters and will meet us right where we are at (Childers, 2018). When we have doubts, we can bring our questions to God. Third, doubt can lead to deeper faith. Lastly, seeking answers and evidence is not wrong. We can ask for evidence to back up our faith. Thomas’s doubt was rational and intellectual and Jesus answered his intellectual doubt with evidence (Childers, 2018). John the Baptist experienced the most painful type of doubt. A doubt when you stand to lose everything if your suspicion is correct. He needed reconfirmation and Jesus provided it (Matthew 11:1-6, Luke 7:18-23). 

In conclusion, Thomas deserves to be respected for his faith and not ignored for his doubt. Doubt is not a character flaw. It is a natural experience to have questions and uncertainty. We can take encouragement from Thomas, We can take our doubts and allow Jesus to lead us to belief. Gideon would eventually embrace his calling and his journey from doubt to faith demonstrates the patience God has for us as he guides and strengthens our faith.Elijah’s transformation serves as a reminder that God meets us in our weakest moments, offering comfort and encouragement to continue our journey of faith. Faith is an attitude of trust and confidence (Hebrews 11:1) and we do not obtain faith without help as it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. It is better to doubt out loud than to disbelieve in silence. 

References

Childers, Alisa (February 2, 2018). 4 Lessons We Can Learn From Doubters in the Bible. Blog. https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/4-lessons-we-can-learn-from-doubters-in-the-bible. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Keller, Timothy (2008-02-14). The Reason for God . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition, location 192. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Andrew: a disciple eager to bring people to Jesus

Andrew is the brother of Simon Peter and very little is known about him. He was a fisherman with his brother. He was called by Jesus to follow him. Despite being an early follower of Jesus, Andrew is only mentioned by name twelve times and four of those are in the list of the disciples. In Catholicism, Andrew is the patron saint of fishermen, singers and the patron saint for the countries of Scotland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Patras. Tradition holds that Andrew died by crucifixion around 60 AD and he didn’t seem himself worthy to die as Jesus did. He was bound, not nailed, to a X and not a T. This is what the Saint Andrew’s Cross flag is an X. Who was Andrew? What is special about him? And what is the key lesson we can take from Andrew? 

Andrew was a special man. He seems to be the opposite of his brother. As Simon was rash and impulsive, Andrew might have been quiet and reflective. The gospels do not record much of Andrew’s words, mostly likely because he didn’t have much to say. He may have been more focused on listening and learning. He could be seen as the silent partner but still essential; in building the church and bringing people to Jesus. Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and told his brother and friends about it (John 1:35-42). He was one of the men that Jesus would say he would be a fisher of men. When the large crowd needed to be fed, Andrew brought forward the boy with the five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:8-9). Even when he questioned how such a small amount would feed the large crowd, he still brought it to Jesus’s attention. 

Andrew was eager to bring people to Jesus. When he heard John the Baptist call Jesus the Lamb of God, he immediately ran to tell his brother (John 1:35-42). Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He knew without question that Jesus was the Messiah. I can imagine a very excited Andrew rushing to tell Simon and even may have been a bit incoherent in his excitement. Think about it. Remember a time when you were so excited to tell someone good or exciting news that the words just flowed out and you had to be told to take a deep breath and slow down? That is how I imagine Andrew as he rushed to inform Simon about Jesus. He, along with Philip, informed Jesus that a few Greeks wanted to speak with him (John 12:20-22). In verse 22, Andrew and Philip told Jesus about the Greeks request to see Jesus. They didn’t question if they deserved to even ask, as some of the other disciples may have, because they were Greeks. I think at this point, Andrew had seen Jesus preach to, heal and forgive so many people, Jews and Gentiles alike, that he knew Jesus was here for all who seek him.

 That is the key lesson from Andrew’s life is Christians are to be willing to tell other people about Jesus. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. Talking to others about Jesus can come easily to some and for others, it is a daunting task. Some people can easily talk with just about anyone and others speak more easily with people they know/ Simon Peter was most likely an extroverted person who could easily preach and outreach among large crowds as recorded in Acts. This thought of speaking like this to an introverted person, like myself, makes them feel anxiety. It is important to draw on your strengths. If you are great at speaking to large crowds, that’s great. You can do that to talk about Jesus to others. If you are better at one-on-one personal, intimate conversations, you can still talk to others about Jesus. The size of the crowd is not the requirement. 

In conclusion, while information about Andrew is limited, what we do know is amazing. Considering he was not in the forefront as his brother, Andrew may have more reserved, humble, and patience with the willingness to listen and learn. He is an example of enthusiasm and passion for Jesus and His message. He did not delay in his belief in Jesus and he demonstrated great faith and confidence. When he heard the good news of Jesus, he could not contain himself and told his brother. He also left his entire life to follow Jesus and continued to follow him even when he saw what it meant to truly follow him. He served Jesus in any way he could, including bringing people who wanted to know Jesus more. This attitude speaks volumes as much as a fiery speech or sermon. 

Herodias: an immoral woman who plotted a man's death

Her name means heroic but she did not act in any way heroic. Herodias was a proud woman who longed to be queen. She left one man to marry another. She used her daughter to manipulate her husband into doing her will. She acted arrogantly in complete disregard for the laws of the land. She was rebuked by John the Baptist for her sin and in response she plotted for his death. She may have relished in the face that she was able to get rid of John the Baptist and his message. What is her story? What is at the core of her story? What lesson can we draw?

Herodias was the granddaughter of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea for thirty-four years. His reign had brought prosperity to a troubled region of the Roman Empire. He built theaters, amphitheaters and race courses, palaces and a magnificent temple in Jerusalem and lowered taxes. However, his reign had its shadows. He had ordered the slaughter of Jewish boys in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18).Herod also ordered the deaths of his favorite wife (her grandmother) and three of his sons for real or imagined intrigues. Herodias had married two of Herod the Great’s sons who survived his bloodlust: Philip and Herod Antipas. When Antipas was appointed the tetrarch of Galilee and Persia, she divorced Philip to marry Herod Antipas and Antipas divorced his wife for Herodias. With his new powerful position, they probably left untouchable. However, their marriage angered the people as it was against Jewish law. It forbade a man from marrying his brother’s divorced wife. It was seen as incestuous and unclean (Leviticus 18:16, Leviticus 20:21). One man dared be vocal about their marriage. John the Baptist cared nothing for diplomacy and he spared no one as he preached a message of repentance. 

Her family had been corrupted for many years. They knew how to use and abuse power. Each step of her family made down the path to sin until what would have been unconscionable is now acceptable and even reasonable. Herodias may not have even considered her act sinful but a political move. Herodias wanted John dead.. According to Mark 6:21-22, on Herod’s birthday, a feast was held and Herodias’ young daughter, Salome, performed a lewd dance for him and his guests. The dance so pleased Antipas that he promised anything she wanted. Urged by her mother, Salome requested the head of John the Baptist (Mark 6:24-25). Antipas ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, despite his own misgivings (Mark 6:26-27). At the core of her story is a closure against the gospel and the truth. Instead of listening to John’s correction, she found a way to silence him. She possibly was also giving a warning to others who would dare follow in his example. Herodias was a bitter, immoral and manipulative woman. She acted as if killing John would remove her sin, her guilt. She valued the power her marriage gave her rather than being living right with God. 

It is a natural defense to reject criticism. No one wants to be wrong. Being receptive to criticism simply means we are open to our sins, our flaws and our need for God’s forgiveness and help to change. When we are confronted lovingly about sin in our lives, it is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God. A habit of repentance makes one’s heart fertile soil for God’s grace. Proverbs 12:1 says “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (The King James Version uses the word “brutish”). Hating correction is a problem with pride. This is a pride that is arrogant and a sense of superiority. Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Developing a spirit of humility toward correction takes grace, a grace that only comes from God. It has been said that only the wise are teachable (Proverbs 21:11-12) as they are willing to listen and learn from their mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. When you are confronted with a sin, thank the individual for the bravery to confront you and take it to God. 

In conclusion, Herodias was an immoral woman who nursed a grudge. She was confronted with a harsh truth. And instead of heeding that correction, she orchestrated the death of the man who dared put out that truth. Her physical removal of John did not eliminate her guilt. Her story is a lesson against the anger defensiveness that can often bubble up when we are confronted. It takes humility and grace to acknowledge the truth and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. Sin will devour and consume us if unchecked. God promises us that if we come to him in repentance, He will forgive us (Psalm 32:5, Psalm 103:10-12). Will you go to Him? 

The Book of John: lessons in purpose, focusing on God, and prayer

We have finally come to the end of the gospels with the book of John. It was written by John, son of Zebedee, brother of James and it was written to new Christians and searching non-Christians as conclusive proof that Jesus is the Son of God and all who believe in him will have eternal life. I will discuss John the Baptist, even though he appears in all the gospels, John starts with John the Baptist as he declares his mission. We can learn from John the Baptist’s life and his commitment to his purpose. Second, I will discuss why physical aliments are not punishments for sins but possibilities for God to show his works in our lives. Lastly, there is no wrong way to pray. The importance of prayer is coming to God, not having the right words or the perfect length.

John first writes about John the Baptist, he is giving testimony when priests and Levites asked him who he was. First, they asked him if he was the Christ, to which John replied no (John 1:20). Then they asked if he was Elijah, again John replied no (John1:21). They finally asked him if he was The Prophet as foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), John replied no (John 1:21). John tells them that he is “the voice of one calling in the desert. Make straight the way for the Lord” (John 1:23) as foretold in Isaiah 40:3. John the Baptist was unique. He wore odd clothes, ate strange food and preached a message that the Jews hadn’t heard before. He has a specific role: to announce the coming of the Savior and he did so with all his strength and energy. John is an important figure in all four gospels. John was set apart for God’s service and he remained faithful to that calling until his death. He was a man with no power or position in Jewish society, yet he spoke with irresistible authority. There are three important lessons from John the Baptist’s life. First, God does not guarantee an easy or safe life to those who serve him. John was eventually imprisoned and executed because of his message. Many people believe that the Christian life is a cushy one; but it isn’t. Second, doing what God desires is the greatest possible life investment. Even though he lost his life, John the Baptist, his message never stopped. John had accomplished what God wanted him to do. Lastly, standing up for the truth is more important than life itself. Even when his life was threatened, John refused to back down. Although we may not face life threatening situations, we can still learn this important lesson from John the Baptist. It is better to stand up for the truth than being liked by others.

John writes about the healing of a blind man to illustrate Jesus’ lesson that physical ailments are not always punishments for sins. In John 9:1-12, a man who had been born blind passed by Jesus when the disciples asked Jesus whose sin caused the man’s blindness: the man’s or his parents? Jesus replies to his disciples, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (verse 3).  It is still a common belief today that our troubles are caused by our sins. Sometimes they are, we suffer the consequences of our bad decisions. Like getting injured in a car accident because we decided to pick up the phone instead of watching the road. However, sometimes it is not our fault at all. God uses our misfortunes or disabilities to teach us and others to rely on him through our rough times as well as our times of comfort. Jesus makes a salve with dirt and his salvia, places it on it on the man’s eyes and sends him to the Pool of Siloam to wash it off. When he did, the man could see. What was the purpose of the man’s blindness? To demonstrate the healing powers of God. I have seen people receive devastating news of terminal cancer and yet their faith and focus on God never waivers. Through the treatments and the wasting of their bodies, the light of Jesus still shined in their eyes and it never dimmed even when their death was imminent. Even as they prayed for healing, they knew God heals in two ways: he may heal us physically or he may call us home to heaven. Regardless of the source of our misfortunes, God wants us to focus on him, rely on him and he will guide us on the right path.

As a new Christian, I was told to pray to the acronym JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself. For many years, I struggled with this. It didn’t feel right. It wasn’t until I studied the book of John and prayer in general in my college years that I understood why. When in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays. However, he prayed, first, for himself. John 17:1-5. He asked God the Father to glorify him now that the time has come to glorify him, so the Jesus can glorify the Father (verse 1). He then prays for his disciples. In John 17:6-19, he asks God the Father to protect them by the power of his name, to protect them from the evil one. He lastly prays for future believers. John 17:20-26, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (verse 20). When Jesus prayed for himself, the disciples, and future believers, he prayed for unity (verse 11), protection from the evil one (verse 15) and sanctity/holiness (verse 17). To me, there is no wrong way to pray. There is no right formula to bring your requests, concerns to God. A quick prayer for safety is okay. A detailed prayer for those in our lives is okay too. God listens whenever we call on him. The order or length isn’t what to focus on. The focus should be on coming before God with our prayers. Some people set a certain time each day to pray. That’s okay. Some people pray throughout the day as the need arises, that’s okay. As with every relationship, it’s different for everyone. Follow Jesus’ example and pray as you feel is necessary. Pray for yourself is that’s what on your mind. Pray for others if that’s what is laid on your heart. The order doesn’t matter. The length doesn’t matter. Heck, even the place doesn’t matter. It is coming to God that does.

In conclusion, the book of John is a book filled with great lessons in the life of Jesus and those around him. John the Baptist was a man with a mission. A man who never backed down when threatened. He stayed focused on God and his task until the end. He is an example that each of us is given a purpose in life. It may not be as extreme as John’s but a purpose for the glory of his kingdom. The blind man is a lesson that our ailments aren’t always punishments but a chance for God to show his power in our lives. We need just to focus on him in all times of our lives and he will heal us, lift us out of our calamity, as we demonstrate our faith in him. He will use it to his glory. Pray as your heart is led. God doesn’t care if the words are eloquent or lengthy. He cares that you are coming to him with your cares and concerns. He wants that time with you. All you need is to pray.