Death of Death - Week 5
“Easter through the eyes of a doubter”
John 20:24-25
24 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.”
Recency bias is a cognitive bias that favors recent events over historic ones
Based off of the events in a 3 day period, Thomas edited out 3 years of counter evidence.
The result was that doubt now filled the space where awe, wonder, worship, and belief once lived.
V.26-28- Jesus’ Care
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!”
Jesus didn’t just allow Thomas to touch the wounds—He offered them.
He didn’t dismiss the doubt—He gently confronted it with presence and proof.
Jesus allowed Thomas to touch the very places where life was given so that life could be received.
Thomas touched the marks where the cost was paid for his sin and doubt to be paid.
He’s patient. He’s personal. He’s present.
V.28 – Thomas’ Response: “My Lord and My God”
“My Lord”
“My God”
Why does this matter for us?
V.29 What about us? (Have not seen, yet you believe)
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
- The prophets saw it coming — Isaiah 53, Psalm 22
The disciples were radically changed—from fearful, hiding men to bold proclaimers of the resurrection, willing to die for what they saw.
And despite all differences—they all died in unity, declaring the same thing: He is risen.
“Do not disbelieve. Believe.”
Small Group Questions
What do you think contributed most to Thomas’ doubt—his emotions, his past experiences, or his expectations of Jesus? Why?
Have you ever experienced “recency bias” in your faith—where recent pain or disappointment made it hard to believe past promises?
How does Jesus’ response to Thomas challenge the way we typically handle doubt in ourselves or others?
Thomas’ response was both personal (“my Lord”) and theological (“my God”). Why do you think both matter in a true confession of faith?
How does Jesus' blessing in v.29 (“blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”) speak into your own faith journey right now?
3 Day Devotion
Day 1: Wrestling in the Wait
Read: John 20:24–25
Focus: “Unless I see... I will never believe.”
Thomas wasn’t just doubting for the sake of being stubborn—his doubt was shaped by deep disappointment. The last time he saw Jesus, He was being led away in chains. The silence that followed the cross felt like abandonment.
We often beat ourselves up for doubting, but the Bible shows us that doubt can grow in honest hearts. The problem is not that Thomas doubted—the problem would have been if he had stopped seeking.
Reflect:
Are there areas in your life where you’ve stopped expecting Jesus to show up?
What would it look like to keep showing up, even when your heart feels heavy with questions?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be honest about my doubt without letting it keep me from seeking You. Draw near even in the silence.
Day 2: The Compassion of Christ
Read: John 20:26–27
Focus: “Put your finger here… Stop doubting and believe.”
Jesus doesn’t shame Thomas. He meets him in the exact place of his need. He offers His wounds—the proof of His love—as an invitation to believe.
This is who Jesus is: He doesn’t turn away from the wounded-hearted or the skeptical. He leans in, He offers grace, and He gives us space to move from disbelief to trust.
Reflect:
How have you experienced Jesus meeting you personally in your places of fear or confusion?
What wounds might He be showing you—not just His, but your own—that He wants to heal?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You don’t run from my questions. Help me believe again—fully, freely, and without fear.
Day 3: The Blessing for Believers
Read: John 20:28–29
Focus: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Thomas saw and believed. But Jesus looks beyond that moment and sees you. He sees every believer who wouldn’t get to touch His hands or hear His voice audibly—but would still surrender their lives in faith.
This is not blind belief. This is trust rooted in a risen Savior, in fulfilled prophecy, and in the testimony of changed lives. Your belief, even through doubt, is not unnoticed. It is blessed.
Reflect:
Prayer:
Father, thank You that faith pleases You—even faith that is small or struggling. Strengthen my belief, and help me walk in the blessing of trusting without seeing.