But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

-John 20:24-28

During the Lenten season this year, the story of Doubting Thomas stood out to me more than it ever has before. I’m not entirely sure why,  but it felt like something I wasn't supposed to overlook.  Instead of just moving past it, I found myself leaning into Thomas’ perspective and sitting with it. The more I reflected, the more I realized how deeply relatable he is to me. I am by nature a questioner and researcher. I love to dig down to the roots of information, root cause. I believe we all experience doubt and question things at different points in our lives - whether it’s doubt in our faith, in ourselves, or in what others tell us is true. Doubt/questioning is part of being human. 

As I think about this story, and how Thomas is often described as lacking faith, I have to be honest: I know I would have reacted the same way he did. When the other disciples told him that Jesus had risen, Thomas was hearing an extraordinary claim. I feel his response was a completely natural hesitation to accept secondhand testimony without experiencing it for himself. And when he was given the chance to encounter Jesus directly, his doubt disappeared. It seems to be Thomas never doubted Jesus, he was just a questioner at heart. A deep thinker. It isn’t surprising that his first reaction was to question his fellow disciples. The story is a lot to put on someone and have them immediately understand. 

I also believe that, in some way, everyone is given a moment like Thomas was given. Moments from God that feel personal and undeniable. Moments that wipe away doubt. They may not look the same for each of us, but they have a way of speaking directly to our heart. These moments can feel like quiet confirmations, reminders that there is something greater at work. Maybe those experiences aren’t about eliminating doubt entirely, but instead about transforming it into something deeper. A faith that is personal, honest and real.