The Miracles of JesusSample

When Miracles Don't Make Sense

When the eleven disciples saw the resurrected Jesus on the mountain, Matthew 28:17 tells us something remarkable: "When they saw Jesus, they worshiped him. But some of them doubted." Even standing before the greatest miracle in history, some still struggled with doubt. This reminds us that if the tomb is empty, anything is possible—and our doubts don't have to separate us from God; they can actually draw us closer to Him.

Thomas exemplifies this struggle perfectly. When the other disciples told him they had seen the risen Lord, he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side" (John 20:25). Thomas had questions. He had been hurt and disappointed. He needed proof.

But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus didn't reject Thomas for his doubts. Eight days later, Jesus appeared again and came directly to Thomas, saying, "Put your finger here and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe" (John 20:27). Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he needed. Your doubt doesn't disqualify you from God's love or His presence. Jesus isn't afraid of your questions. Our spiritual enemy wants to use doubt to drive us away from God, but Jesus wants to use our doubts to draw us closer to Him.

Notice what Thomas did in the midst of his doubt—he showed back up. Eight days later, when the disciples gathered again, Thomas was there. He didn't let his questions keep him away. He kept showing up, and because he did, Jesus met him right where he was. Jesus didn't wait for Thomas to get it all together or require perfect faith before revealing Himself. Jesus stepped into Thomas's struggle, wounds and all, and provided the evidence he needed.

Faith is a journey, not a destination. The strongest faith is a faith that worships through doubts—that keeps showing up even when we have questions, even when God feels distant. Maybe you're facing an impossible situation today—a medical diagnosis, a prodigal child, a secret addiction, wounds you can't find healing for. Jesus will meet you right where you are. Nobody loves you the way Jesus does.

One touch from Jesus changed everything in Thomas's life. In one moment, Thomas went from doubting to shouting, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). The miracle didn't just answer his doubt—it awakened his devotion. John 20:30-31 tells us why these miracles were recorded: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Faith is not the absence of doubt; faith is the means to push through the doubt. When we keep showing up, when we bring our questions to Jesus instead of running from Him, when we worship through our uncertainties—that's when Jesus shows up in power. And when Jesus shows up, miracles happen. God still does miracles today—He still heals, delivers, opens blind eyes, and sets captives free.

Reflection Questions

1. What doubts or questions have you been afraid to bring to God? How might bringing them honestly to Him actually draw you closer?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to "keep showing up" even when you don't have all the answers?

Applications

1. Bring Your Doubts to Jesus: Set aside time this week to honestly talk to God about your questions, struggles, and doubts. Like Thomas, bring them directly to Jesus.
2. Keep Showing Up: Commit to continuing in your faith journey even when you have questions—attend church, join a small group, serve on a team, read Scripture.

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving us right where we are. Thank You that our doubts don't disqualify us from Your presence or Your love. We bring our questions, our struggles, our pain, and our uncertainties to You today. Jesus, just as You met Thomas in his doubt, we ask that You would meet us in ours. Strengthen our faith. Remind us of Your faithfulness. Help us remember that the God who did it before will do it again—that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us today. We celebrate that the tomb is empty, that death has been defeated, and that anything is possible with You. Ignite our faith. Do miracles in our lives that only You can do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember: The tomb IS empty. Jesus is alive. And you can be too.