Essay Sample on The Doubting Thomas

Introduction

The doubting Thomas is captured in the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, from verse 24 to 31. John wrote this scripture to illustrate that Jesus appearing before Thomas was to clear his doubts (Bible.org ). Moreover, more signs had been performed by Jesus that had not been documented by John in his Gospel ( Easy-to-read Version, John 20.30-31). All these would be in recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and bringing the belief of having a life when people believe in His name. This summed up the purpose of this scripture as building the faith in the followers of Christ and call for His worship. The belief of the risen Saviour requires one to undertake some practices.

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Firstly, one has to analyze and overcome their doubts (Bible.org). The Gospel depicts Thomas as being the most doubtful of the disciples of Jesus when notified of the risen Christ (Luke 24.11). This doubt presented an obstacle in the mission of the disciple since he could not preach what he did not believe in. Jesus had to appear before Thomas with both proofs of life and torture. Also, the fixation of Thomas on the wounds inflicted on Jesus point out the level of disbelief in him. Therefore, Jesus appearing to him cleared his doubts and opened up his paths to the missionary work. Likewise, the followers of Jesus Christ are advised to work against their doubts to progress on their missions in life while worshipping the risen Messiah.

Secondly, one has to experience the grace of God (Bible.org). Jesus wished peace upon the disciples when He first saw them (John 20.19,21). While this is a common form of greeting among the Jewish, the wishing of peace upon the disciples can be a depiction of grace. Jesus spoke to the disciples with calmness and grace despite the amount of doubt demonstrated by some of the disciples. Jesus showed more grace by letting Thomas feel His wounds. He however rebuked and exhorted him by questioning his belief of the story of the risen Savior (John 20.27). One of the ways of experiencing the grace of the Lord is through accepting the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers (Bible.org). The other way of experiencing His grace is through faith in Him ( Eph 2.8-9). This grace helps believers to have a grown belief in the risen Messiah.

Lastly, one has to believe in the foundation of resurrection (Bible.org). Paul insisted that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of faith (1 Cor 15.17). In this approach, the doctrine of the believers has a solid foundation as Jesus was able to prove to Thomas and the other disciples of His resurrection (John 20.27). The story of Thomas being martyred in India while doing the work of Christ is a clear indication that he was entirely convinced of the possibilities of a resurrection. This story solidifies the faith of believers in the resurrection of Christ and the worship of the risen Messiah.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we are always expected to be doubtful of various situations. However, these doubts should not be the limiting factors in life. We should be able to look past these doubts and focus on the progress await us in life. Moreover, the believers of the Word of God should be aware of the different ways in which the Holy Spirit manifests itself to them and others. We should also wish peace upon others despite what bad thing they do to us. This is in the fulfillment of the mission of Christ to the world.

Bibliography

Bible.org. Lesson 103: The Aim of the Gospel (John 20: 24-31), 2015.

https://www.bible.org/seriespage/lesson-103-aim-gospel-john-2024-31.

The Bible. Easy-to-read Version, World Bible Translation Centre, 2013.