How Does Jesus Meet Our Fear and Doubt? (John 20:19-31) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Today we look at the fear and doubt the disciples felt after the resurrection and how Jesus met them right in the middle of it. He stepped into their locked room with peace, purpose, and the Holy Spirit. We also look at Thomas and see that Jesus does not condemn our doubt. He meets us there and gives us what we need to believe.

"but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31)

Questions this episode answers

Why did Jesus say 'Peace be with you' to the disciples?

The disciples were hiding behind locked doors because they were afraid. Jesus' greeting was more than a hello. It carried the idea of shalom, a complete peace and restoration that only the risen Jesus can give.

Was Thomas wrong to doubt?

Thomas wanted to see for himself, and Jesus met him with the evidence he needed, inviting him to touch His wounds. Jesus still called him to believe. His response shows that doubt brought to Jesus can lead to deeper faith.

What did Jesus mean when He breathed on the disciples?

In John 20:22, Jesus breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' He was sending them out just as the Father had sent Him. The Holy Spirit is the power that helps believers live the resurrection life.

Timestamps

00:00 Encountering Jesus in Fear

03:03 The Commissioning of the Disciples

06:05 Thomas and the Nature of Doubt

09:12 The Transformative Power of Belief

12:01 Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubts

14:46 The Purpose of John's Gospel

18:11 Living the Resurrection Life

Links

The disciples Jesus sent out that day carried the gospel all the way to Rome, and on our November Bible Study Live trip we visit the catacombs where early believers held on to resurrection hope.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

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