Doubting Thomas or Faithful Seeker? Lessons on Trusting the Savior
Thomas: A Disciple Seeking Certainty
I was thinking about the Apostle Thomas while sitting in the Celestial room of the temple. It wasn’t random, I had intentionally asked Heavenly Father what He would like me to ponder when John 14 popped into my mind. There is a lot of meat in this chapter, all of which could prompt an amazing scripture study sesh, but Heavenly Father drew my attention to verse 5. Of all the scriptures He could have pointed to, this one was probably the most curious.
“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
Thomas has received such a poor reputation—he has gone down in history as “Doubting Thomas” and lives in infamy because he wouldn’t believe the Savior was resurrected until he saw and touched him with his hands (John 20:25).
Thomas was devastated by the crucifixion of the Savior, His Master, Mentor, and Exemplar. He followed Him, was taught by Him, worked beside Him, and faced persecution for His sake, so I imagine Thomas’ devastation impacted his belief that it could be true that the Savior, indeed, was resurrected. He wanted proof because if it wasn’t true, his pain would only intensify. How would he find the way when his guide was gone? If Jesus Christ was really alive, then he would know the way! But, if He wasn't...? I believe Thomas was afraid to learn the answer to that question.
In verse 5 of John 14, it seems Thomas was a logical man who sought reason and direct answers—tangible things. I imagine he struggled with parables, symbolism, and possibly faith. He was so literal that when Jesus Christ talked of preparing a place for them–that where He was, they would be also, Thomas was confused saying, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:3-5)
Thomas wanted to be with the Savior so much that he sought validation and proof that what Jesus Christ was saying could be true for him. With this perspective, I now read his questions like, “But, where will you go, and how do I follow? How will I know what to look for, or how will I know when I get there? Can you just pull up Apple Maps and type in the coordinates? Then, I won’t miss a step or turn the wrong way or delay my arrival!”
Faith Over Proof: Trusting in the Savior’s Eternal Promises
Our compassionate and loving Savior invited Thomas to “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but be believing” (John 20:27).
Jesus Christ saw him and met him where he was, BUT refusing to let Thomas remain there, He again emphasized and encouraged him to have faith and be believing.
What does Heavenly Father want us to learn from Thomas?
Although I find some things about Thomas relatable, there is one thing I can't seem to relate to at all. I don’t require or purposely seek physical or tangible things to prove gospel teachings. For example, the Savior does not need to stand in front of me for me to believe He LIVES! The truth or to see things as they “really are” is manifested to me by the power of the Holy Ghost. I can know ALL things that are true if I seek truth with a sincere, open, and honest heart (Moroni 10:3-5). While I would love to have a road map sometimes, the fact that I don't has blessed my life. I've been challenged to prove the Lord by putting His words to the test. As difficult as faith can be, it hasn’t failed me yet! My heart burns with testimony because of it, and it seeps into every aspect of my life. I am grateful that I don't have a play-by-play handbook because I get to stand as a witness that believing is better than seeing.
Gaining a Celestial Perspective Through Faith
The gospel of Jesus Christ is straightforward; it offers clear direction on how to live and has increased my faith as I’ve lived it! The proof is in the fruit it produces. As I keep my covenants, Heavenly Father’s influence becomes more obvious. Not a day goes by that I don’t recognize His miraculous work manifested in the everyday details of my life.
I don’t understand the need to have all the answers right now, so I struggle to empathize with people who leave the church because they were offended by someone or something, they don’t like a church policy, or they disagree with how prophets handle certain situations or how they handled them in the past. Literally, WHO CARES?!
I don’t put imperfect people on pedestals, leaving myself vulnerable to being rocked when they choose, say, or do something I disagree with.
The Savior, however, IS perfect and responds perfectly to EVERY situation as He works with and through imperfect people to bring about His purposes. Faith helps me see from an eternal perspective. My Bishop, Stake President, Relief Society President, Ministering Sister, or any other imperfect leader is NOT what I build my testimony on or faith upon. They are as prone to stumbling as I am. What I DO believe is that our leaders are called by God and set apart with Priesthood Keys to fulfill their role. They are being placed in positions to grow and offer us opportunities to grow with them. I am unbothered by their stumblings because I know the Lord sustains them as we are invited to sustain them—imperfections and all.
If we held ourselves to the same standards we hold the prophets/leaders in the church, could we honestly say we’re doing or could do a better job? I know I couldn’t!
Faith is a choice that strengthens us, builds our character, challenges us to have a Celestial perspective, and pushes us spiritually. By choosing faith over tangible proof, we develop a deeper trust in Him and learn to see beyond immediate circumstances to the eternal promises Jesus Christ offers. Neil L. Andersen's talk at this last conference explains this beautifully:
“Our hope of eternal life is assured through the grace of Christ and our own choices, allowing us the remarkable blessing of returning to our heavenly home…On earth, we experience joy and sorrow as we are tested and proven. Our victory comes through faith in Jesus Christ as we triumph over our sins, difficulties, temptations, unfairness, and the challenges of this mortal life.
As we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, we see beyond our struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity…” (The Triumph of Hope, October 2024 General Conference)
Jesus Christ was pushing Thomas to have a greater perspective–one of an eternal nature. He has the same expectations and invites us to come unto Him as well.
“Therefore may God grant unto you…that ye may begin to exercise faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him…pour out your souls…let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.” (Alma 34:17-19; 26-27)
It is my testimony that faith gives us a greater perspective—one of an eternal nature—not through the tangible but through the power of the Holy Ghost as we seek understanding with a sincere heart.
Choosing Faith: Your Invitation to Act
As you reflect on Thomas's journey and the Savior's loving invitation to "be not faithless, but be believing," consider how faith affects your life. Are there areas where you seek tangible proof rather than relying on the quiet confirmations of the Spirit? Take time this week to deepen your trust in Jesus Christ, study His words, and focus on developing a Celestial perspective.
Pray for clarity, act in faith, and watch as the Savior meets you where you are—inviting you to grow closer to Him. Leave a comment sharing how you've seen His hand in your life recently or how you're choosing faith over doubt. Let’s encourage one another on this journey toward eternal promises!
Faith and Perspective Study Guide:
This printable study guide is designed to help you deepen your faith and develop an eternal perspective. It includes key scriptures, reflective prompts, actionable steps to build trust in the Savior, and Neil L. Anderson's inspiring quote. It is perfect for scripture study, personal reflection, or sharing in a group discussion!
