Sermon Guide

Doubting Thomas

November 23, 2025
Dr Allen Holmes
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We all face moments of doubt. For some, it comes from pain or disappointment; for others, from confusion or isolation. But doubt doesn’t disqualify us from faith—it can actually deepen it. In the story of Thomas, we see a Savior who meets us in our questions, replaces fear with peace, and turns our doubt into worship.

REVIEW: Jesus pursues the doubter.

READ: John 20:26–27 –
“Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”

DISCUSS: How does Jesus’ response to Thomas challenge how we treat people who wrestle with doubt? What would it look like for you to move toward someone instead of away when they question?

REVIEW: Jesus offers peace.

READ: Galatians 5:22 –
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

DISCUSS: What steals your peace most often? How can you make more room in your daily rhythm to experience the presence of Jesus instead of anxiety or fear?

REVIEW: Jesus offers evidence.

READ: Hebrews 11:1 –
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

DISCUSS: How has God revealed Himself to you in ways that strengthen your faith? What evidence helps you remember that following Jesus is reasonable and trustworthy?

REVIEW: Jesus invites us to live by faith.

READ: Hebrews 11:6 –
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

DISCUSS: What does it mean to live by faith instead of sight? How can doubt actually lead to deeper trust in Jesus?

REVIEW: Jesus promises a blessing.

READ: John 20:29 –
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

DISCUSS: Why is faith especially meaningful in seasons of uncertainty? Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him even when you can’t see clearly?

ASK

Where are you wrestling with doubt right now—and how might Jesus be inviting you to trust Him in that exact place?

PRAY

Jesus, thank You for meeting us in our doubt. Thank You that You don’t reject us for questioning, but draw near to us in compassion and peace. Replace our fear with faith, our confusion with clarity, and our isolation with Your presence. Help us to trust You even when we cannot see, and to live each day believing You are with us. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take a step of faith and let Jesus meet you in your doubt:

  • Be honest about your doubts: Name them in prayer or with a trusted friend.
  • Pursue His presence: Spend quiet time with Jesus instead of avoiding Him
  • Examine the evidence: Read Scripture or explore how faith and reason work together.
  • Live by faith: Act in obedience even when clarity hasn’t come yet.
  • Trust the blessing: Believe that God will meet you on the other side of faith.

Jesus isn’t afraid of your questions—He’s already standing in the room, waiting to bring peace, proof, and purpose to your life.

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