Doubting Thomas, Jesus' Resurrection, Faith and Doubt, Miraculous Catch of Fish, Recognizing Jesus, Trusting God's Provision, Overcoming Doubt, Faith in Uncertainty, Jesus' Presence in Daily Life, Personal Relationship with Jesus
“It is the Lord!” — At the break of dawn on the shores of Galilee, the risen Christ stands quietly by a charcoal fire, as Peter, overcome with recognition, rushes through the shallows to meet Him. The net bursts with fish, but the true abundance is divine presence.
From Doubt to Devotion: Encountering the Risen Christ
How Jesus Meets Us in Our Uncertainty
The Gospel of John was written to reveal Jesus as the Son of God and to inspire belief in Him. In John 20:24-21:14, we find ourselves in the days following Jesus' resurrection. The disciples, grappling with fear and uncertainty, are hiding behind locked doors. Thomas, often called "Doubting Thomas," represents the human struggle to believe without seeing. Meanwhile, the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus later appears to the disciples, was a familiar place of work and life for many of them, making His appearance there deeply personal and relatable.
This passage begins with Thomas, who doubts the resurrection until he sees and touches Jesus' wounds. Jesus graciously meets Thomas in his doubt, offering him the evidence he needs. The narrative then shifts to the Sea of Galilee, where the disciples return to fishing. After a fruitless night, Jesus appears on the shore, though they do not immediately recognize Him. He instructs them to cast their nets on the other side, resulting in a miraculous catch. This moment reveals Jesus' provision and His intimate knowledge of their needs.
John 20:29: "Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." This verse highlights the blessing of faith that does not rely on physical evidence, encouraging believers to trust in Jesus' promises.
John 21:6: "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." This command demonstrates Jesus' authority and provision, reminding us that obedience to His word leads to abundance.
Thomas' doubt and the disciples' return to fishing reflect the human tendency to retreat into familiar routines when faced with uncertainty. Yet, Jesus meets them where they are—offering proof to Thomas and providing for the disciples' physical and spiritual needs. This passage reminds us that Jesus is not distant in our struggles. He is present, patient, and willing to reveal Himself in ways that strengthen our faith.
Bring Your Doubts to Jesus: Like Thomas, be honest about your struggles with faith. Pray and seek answers in Scripture, trusting that Jesus will meet you in your uncertainty.
Obey Even When It Doesn't Make Sense: The disciples obeyed Jesus' seemingly odd instruction to cast their nets on the other side. Trust His guidance, even when it challenges your understanding.
Recognize Jesus in the Everyday: Just as the disciples eventually recognized Jesus on the shore, look for His presence in your daily life—in provision, relationships, and moments of peace.
What doubts or uncertainties are you currently facing in your faith journey?
How can you practice trusting Jesus even when you don’t fully understand His plans?
In what ways has Jesus provided for you in unexpected or miraculous ways?
How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Jesus’ presence in your daily life?
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for meeting us in our doubts and uncertainties. Help us to trust in Your promises, even when we cannot see the full picture. Open our eyes to recognize Your presence in our lives and give us the courage to obey Your word. Strengthen our faith and draw us closer to You each day. In Your name, we pray.
Amen.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." —Psalm 34:8
This week, take time to journal about a moment when you felt Jesus' presence in your life. Share this testimony with someone who may be struggling with doubt, offering them encouragement and hope.
