The Doubters: Job, John, and Thomas

Job, Matthew 11, John 20

Is Doubt bad or good? What does God say about it? What should I do?

Often, our preconceived ideas become challenged, and we start questioning our understanding. We wonder if we believed correctly and become challenged to go beyond what we understood as truth. However, when you follow that doubt to the point of unbelief, it becomes dangerous.

In Matthew 11, we see an encounter with doubt. John the Baptist is in prison questioning if Jesus is the True Messiah. He sends two of his students to ask Jesus for him:

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 11:2-6

John was questioning, searching for answers. Jesus responded in a way that shows us He is patient and open to doubts. Look at His track record; He is faithful and able. Not to mention, Jesus references Isaiah 61. In essence, Jesus tells John to read the prophets – the Bible. Jesus continues by stating the students are to testify of what they have seen. In Jewish culture, for something to be proclaimed true, there must be two witnesses. Two students of John the Baptist were sent for accuracy. Thus, it seems as though Christ is telling John and all the rest of us: go read your Bible and ask other Christians their testimony since no one struggles with a unique doubt.

Another thing: Jesus never condemned John for doubting. In the book of Job, the reader finds a struggling believer who has been the subject of heavenly warfare and lots of trials. His family, health, possessions, etc. are gone; all he is left with is his wife and three non-encouraging friends. He is introduced to us by God as the most righteous man on the planet. Nonetheless, after all the trials, Job starts to doubt and question God regarding his suffering. Throughout the book of Job, God never rebuked him for his doubt. Instead, as Jesus did with John, He pointed out the truth of His character as God. Jesus reassured John of His identity. He didn’t answer all His questions with a detailed timeline but rather with a simple trust me. Jesus wants us to trust Him and to believe in His Sovereignty. However, Jesus is not saying we can’t doubt, but we shouldn’t let it lead us to unbelief in His TRUTH.

Just like Thomas, the other well-known doubter:

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 20:24-30

Jesus never rebuked him for his doubt. He only pointed to the verity of the answer.

Have you started to doubt God in your life? Have you sought His answer or the answer of others? There is an old saying about going to the horse’s mouth and asking him. I wonder if you and I should, too. Perhaps we should stop asking our friends, the programmed internet, or the wise apologists and turn to the Author of all knowledge. Who’s with me?