The Jesus Podcast – “Doubting Thomas” (September 18, 2025)

Host: Pray.com / Narrator: Pastor Zach
Theme: Wrestling with Doubt and Finding Faith – The Journey of Thomas
Inspiration: John 20:24-29

Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast offers a rich, dramatic retelling of the biblical story of “Doubting Thomas.” Through immersive storytelling and thoughtful commentary, the episode explores the universal human experience of doubting, especially in faith, and how honest wrestling with doubt can lead to a deeper, more resilient trust in God. Drawing from the Gospel of John and personal insights, Pastor Zach underscores the emotional complexity of Thomas and invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys from skepticism to belief.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Faith in the Unseen (00:00–02:37)

• Pastor Zach opens with a prayer, setting the tone: faith as the assurance of things hoped for, and the importance of trusting God in uncertainty.
• Jesus appears to the gathered disciples, breathes the Holy Spirit upon them—mirroring creation itself—and commissions them for their ongoing mission.
  • Quote – Jesus (01:29): “As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.”
• The disciples are given the authority to forgive sins.
  • Quote – Jesus (02:29): “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
• Jesus disappears, leaving the disciples awed yet full of questions, highlighting the mystery that often accompanies faith.

2. The Absence and Return of Thomas (05:50–08:40)

• The dramatic retelling resumes as Thomas, absent from Jesus’ appearance, returns from the market to find the disciples transformed and brimming with hope.
• The disciples share the news of Jesus’ resurrection, but Thomas is deeply skeptical, a response colored by exhaustion, grief, and years of guardedness.
  • Quote – Thomas (07:19): “I wish it were true, my friends, but we are all exhausted. Clearly you are seeing things.”
  • Quote – Thomas (07:41): “John, I believe that you believe what you saw was real. But I can't believe Jesus is risen from the dead. We all saw what happened.”
• Thomas’ skepticism is portrayed as a shield against disappointment.
  • Quote – Thomas (08:25): “If you are all so certain that Jesus is risen, then tell me this. Why hasn't he appeared before the temple? Why hasn't he proven the Pharisees wrong?... And why didn’t he come when I was here?”
• Thomas storms out in sorrow, grief, and honest anguish.

3. Eight Days of Wrestling (08:40–10:55)

• Thomas’ doubt grows into bitterness over the next eight days; meanwhile, the other disciples are reassured by their encounter.
• The narration paints Thomas’ skepticism not as mere intellectual doubt, but as a wound—a result of unmet expectations, fear, and deep hurt.
• Memorable storytelling detail: Thomas drops a pot of salt, his frustration boiling over—a humanizing moment that lays bare his pain.

4. Jesus Meets Thomas (10:55–12:52)

• Jesus appears to Thomas personally, greeting him with peace.
  • Quote – Jesus (10:55): “Peace be with you, Thomas.”
• Thomas encounters the risen Christ and is invited to touch Jesus’ scars.
  • Quote – Jesus (11:47): “They were pierced for you.”
• In a flood of recognition, Thomas proclaims:
  • Quote – Thomas (12:13): “My Lord.”
  • Quote – (12:17): “My God.”
• Jesus embraces Thomas, affirming his faith but highlighting the greater blessing on those who believe without seeing.
  • Quote – Jesus (12:30): “You are blessed, my dear Thomas, for you have seen me. You’ve seen my scars and heard my voice and believed… Blessed are those who do not see me, yet still believe.”
• The encounter utterly transforms Thomas—his doubt vanishes, and he is renewed in purpose and faith.

5. Reflection and Application (14:56–22:32)

• Pastor Zach shifts from storytelling to reflective teaching:
  • Faith is not the absence of doubt; rather, it is persistence, trust, and openness, even in uncertainty.
  • Biblical faith isn’t dependent on tangible evidence (“faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” – Hebrews 11:1).
  • The story isn’t meant to shame those who doubt, but to invite honest engagement with God.
  • Evidence and miracles—while significant—are often insufficient on their own; true faith is a matter of the heart and a response to God’s word and love.
• Personal illustration: Pastor Zach recounts a mentoring moment with a skeptic, illuminating how even miraculous evidence may not suffice if one’s heart is closed (16:50).
• Doubt, especially after disappointment or church hurt, is a deeply human reaction, not a failing.
• Pastor Zach urges listeners not to compare their faith journey to others’, but to bring their doubts to Jesus authentically.
  • Notable wisdom: “When we project our own expectations onto God and he doesn’t meet those expectations, we set ourselves up for failure.” (19:45)
• Cautions against the “prosperity gospel” and false assurances, emphasizing that hardship is a natural part of following Jesus.
• Reminds listeners that doubting or slow belief is a normal, sometimes even necessary, stage in growth.
  • Memorable note: “Moments of doubt don’t define our entire lives. How we respond to them, though, does.” (21:10)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Faith Defined:
  • “Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” – Narrator/Pastor Zach (00:00)
• Commissioning the Disciples:
  • “As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.” – Jesus (01:29)
• Thomas' Honest Doubt:
  • “I wish it were true, my friends, but we are all exhausted. Clearly you are seeing things.” – Thomas (07:19)
  • “John, I believe that you believe what you saw was real. But I can't believe Jesus is risen from the dead. We all saw what happened.” – Thomas (07:41)
  • “If you are all so certain that Jesus is risen, then tell me this. Why hasn't he appeared before the temple? Why hasn't he proven the Pharisees wrong? Why hasn't he gotten revenge on the Romans? And why didn’t he come when I was here?” – Thomas (08:25)
• Jesus' Compassionate Response:
  • “Peace be with you, Thomas.” – Jesus (10:55)
  • “They were pierced for you.” – Jesus (11:47)
  • “You are blessed, my dear Thomas, for you have seen me. You’ve seen my scars and heard my voice and believed… Blessed are those who do not see me, yet still believe.” – Jesus (12:30)
• Thomas’ Transformation:
  • “My Lord.” – Thomas (12:13)
  • “My God.” – (12:17)
• Key Reflection:
  • “Faith is an embodied belief that what we have heard from God is true, therefore we act upon that truth.” – Podcast Host/Commentator (14:56)
  • “Miracles aren’t simply enough. The physical evidence of God’s presence is not enough. There has to be a transformation of the heart.” – Podcast Host/Commentator (17:52)
  • “Moments of doubt don’t define our entire lives. How we respond to them, though, does.” – Podcast Host/Commentator (21:10)

Themes and Takeaways

• Doubt is Human: Thomas is not merely a symbol of skepticism, but a relatable figure for anyone who has suffered disappointment or unmet expectations.
• Bring Doubts to God: Wrestling honestly with faith questions is not only permitted, but encouraged; it allows for authentic transformation.
• Miracles vs. Faith: Witnessing miracles isn’t always enough—true, sustaining faith is built on trust, ongoing relationship, and engagement with God’s promises.
• Blessedness of Belief: Jesus honors those who “believe without seeing,” but also meets doubters with compassion and evidence tailored to their wounds.
• Journey, Not Destination: The episode gently affirms that faith is a process, and that honest struggles and setbacks can lead to a more steadfast trust in Christ.

Conclusion

This episode masterfully retells the raw, relatable story of Thomas, positioning him as an approachable figure for listeners who grapple with skepticism, pain, and wounded trust. Listeners are urged not to suppress doubts, but to bring them honestly before God—trusting that, like Thomas, they might encounter the risen Christ in ways that profoundly heal and renew their faith.