Embracing Doubt: The Journey to Resurrection Faith
Summary
On this Resurrection Sunday, we gather to reflect on the profound reality of Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for us today. While Easter is often surrounded by traditions that may seem disconnected from its true meaning, at its core, it is about the greatest miracle in history: Jesus rising from the dead. Yet, for many, the idea of resurrection is difficult to grasp, and doubts naturally arise. This is not a modern phenomenon—doubt and skepticism were present even among Jesus’ closest followers. The Gospel of John, chapter 20, reveals that the first reactions to the empty tomb were not shouts of joy, but confusion, sorrow, and disbelief.
Mary Magdalene, overwhelmed by grief, could not recognize Jesus even when He stood before her. The disciples, too, were locked away in fear, unable to comprehend what had happened. Thomas, famously, refused to believe unless he could see and touch the wounds of the risen Christ. These honest accounts show that faith is not born out of blind certainty, but often emerges from the midst of doubt, pain, and honest questioning. Jesus does not rebuke Thomas for his skepticism; instead, He invites him to see and believe, demonstrating that doubt is not a disqualifier, but an invitation to deeper faith.
True faith is not about having all the answers or never wrestling with uncertainty. It is about the direction of our hearts—choosing to walk toward Jesus, even when the path is foggy. When faith is defined as absolute certainty, we risk closing ourselves off to growth, transformation, and the ongoing work of God in our lives. Instead, embracing our questions within the context of authentic Christian community allows us to be shaped by Scripture and by one another, leading to a faith that is both honest and resilient.
There are compelling reasons to trust in the resurrection: the historical evidence, the transformation of the disciples from fearful doubters to bold witnesses, and the testimony of those who encountered the risen Christ. But beyond evidence, the resurrection is good news because it means forgiveness is possible. In a world and in lives marked by the mess of sin, Jesus offers grace, restoration, and hope. The invitation is not to a perfect faith, but to a journey of trust, even in the midst of our doubts.
Key Takeaways
- Doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often the soil in which genuine belief grows. The earliest followers of Jesus, including Mary and Thomas, struggled to believe in the resurrection until they encountered the risen Christ themselves. Their stories remind us that God welcomes our questions and meets us in our uncertainty. [09:55]
- Faith is not about absolute certainty, but about the direction we are moving. Even when the way forward is unclear, choosing to walk toward Jesus—despite our doubts—opens us to transformation and deeper trust. Real faith is a journey, not a destination, and God honors those who seek Him honestly. [18:20]
- When we define faith as needing to be unquestioning, we risk becoming closed off to growth and correction. This posture can lead to pride, isolation, and even anger toward those who disagree with us. Instead, Scripture calls us to humility, openness, and a willingness to be shaped by God and by others in community. [18:56]
- The resurrection is not just a historical claim, but a source of hope for forgiveness and new life. The mess of sin in our lives and in the world is real, but Jesus’ victory over death means that grace is available to all who turn to Him. This is the heart of the good news: we are not defined by our failures, but by Christ’s love and power to redeem. [28:32]
- Authentic Christian faith is lived out in community, where we can be honest about our doubts and struggles. It is in relationship with others—where we are known, challenged, and encouraged—that we experience the transforming work of God. Isolated faith is fragile, but faith nurtured in community is resilient and enduring. [20:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:07] - Opening Scripture: John 20
[02:36] - Easter Traditions vs. Resurrection Reality
[03:16] - Wrestling with Doubt and Faith
[05:22] - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb
[06:59] - Encounter with Angels and Jesus
[08:18] - Mary Recognizes the Risen Christ
[09:10] - Two Sides of the Resurrection Story
[10:13] - The Reality of Sorrow and Doubt
[12:04] - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
[12:56] - Thomas’ Doubt and Jesus’ Invitation
[15:43] - The Honest Struggle of the First Believers
[18:20] - Faith, Doubt, and the Journey Forward
[22:23] - Reasons for Trusting the Resurrection
[28:32] - The Good News of Forgiveness
[29:25] - Closing Illustration: The Mess and the Fixer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Resurrection, Doubt, and Real Faith
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### Bible Reading
John 20:1-29
(The story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb, the disciples’ fear, and Thomas’s doubt and encounter with the risen Jesus.)
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### Observation Questions
1. When Mary Magdalene first saw the empty tomb, what was her emotional response, and how did she interpret what she saw? ([10:13])
2. How did the disciples react when they heard the news that Jesus was alive? What actions did they take, and what emotions did they experience? ([12:04])
3. What was Thomas’s specific condition for believing that Jesus had risen, and how did Jesus respond to his doubt? ([12:56])
4. According to the sermon, what is significant about the way Jesus interacts with those who are struggling to believe, like Mary and Thomas? ([14:04])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon points out that the first reactions to the resurrection were not joy, but confusion and sorrow. What does this suggest about the nature of faith and doubt among Jesus’ earliest followers? ([10:13])
2. Why do you think Jesus chose to appear to his followers in their moments of fear and doubt, rather than waiting for them to have more faith? ([12:04])
3. The pastor said, “Doubt is not the enemy of faith, but often the soil in which genuine belief grows.” How does the story of Thomas support or challenge this idea? ([17:50])
4. The sermon warns that defining faith as “absolute certainty” can lead to pride and isolation. How might this happen in a Christian’s life or in a church community? ([18:56])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described how Mary and Thomas both struggled to recognize Jesus in their pain and doubt. Can you think of a time when your own circumstances made it hard to see God at work? What helped you move forward? ([10:48])
2. Thomas said he would “never believe” unless he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds. Are there areas in your faith where you feel like you need more evidence or reassurance? How do you usually handle those doubts? ([12:56])
3. The pastor said that real faith is about the direction we are moving, not having all the answers. What does it look like for you to “walk toward Jesus” even when things are unclear? ([18:20])
4. The sermon warned that insisting on unquestioning faith can make us closed off to growth and even angry at those who disagree. Have you ever seen this happen in yourself or others? How can you stay open to learning and correction? ([18:56])
5. The resurrection means forgiveness and new life are possible, even in the mess of sin. Is there an area of your life where you need to experience Jesus’ forgiveness or restoration right now? ([28:32])
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of authentic Christian community for dealing with doubt and growing in faith. Who are the people in your life that you can be honest with about your struggles? How can you take a step toward deeper community this week? ([20:52])
7. The disciples were transformed from fearful doubters to bold witnesses after encountering the risen Jesus. What would it look like for you to live more boldly because of the resurrection? ([23:20])
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End of Guide
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Invites Doubters, Not Just the Certain
The resurrection account in John 20 shows that even Jesus’ closest followers, like Mary Magdalene and the disciples, initially responded to the empty tomb with confusion, sorrow, and doubt rather than immediate faith. Mary’s tears were not of joy but of loss, and even when Jesus stood before her, she did not recognize Him until He called her by name. This demonstrates that Jesus does not reject those who struggle to believe; instead, He meets them in their doubt and gently reveals Himself, inviting them to deeper faith. [07:40]
John 20:1-18 (ESV)
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
Reflection: Where in your life are you struggling to see Jesus because of your current circumstances, and how might you invite Him to meet you in your doubt today?
Day 2: Faith Grows in the Midst of Doubt
The story of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas,” reveals that skepticism and questions are not barriers to faith but can be the very path through which Jesus draws us closer. Thomas refused to believe without seeing the risen Christ for himself, and Jesus responded not with rebuke but with an invitation to touch and see. This encounter shows that faith is not about having all the answers or never questioning, but about honestly bringing our doubts to Jesus and allowing Him to transform them into belief. [14:53]
John 20:24-29 (ESV)
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Reflection: What honest questions or doubts do you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting that He welcomes your search for truth?
Day 3: Real Faith Is Not Blind Certainty
Genuine faith is not about having absolute certainty or never wrestling with questions; rather, it is about the direction of your heart and your willingness to keep moving toward Jesus, even when the way is unclear. When faith is defined as needing to be sure of everything, it can lead to pride, closed-mindedness, and a refusal to be shaped by God. Instead, real faith is humble, open to learning, and allows God to transform you—even when you don’t have all the answers. [18:20]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel pressure to have all the answers, and how can you choose to walk forward in faith even when things are uncertain?
Day 4: Community Is Essential for Navigating Doubt
Walking through doubt and questions is not meant to be a solitary journey; God designed us to wrestle with faith in the context of authentic Christian community. When you study Scripture, confess your struggles, and live out your faith alongside others who know you and can speak truth into your life, you are less likely to become isolated or overcritical. Community provides the support, accountability, and encouragement needed to keep moving toward Jesus, even when faith feels hard. [20:52]
James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Reflection: Who in your life can you be honest with about your doubts or struggles, and how might you take a step toward deeper community this week?
Day 5: The Resurrection Offers Real Hope and Forgiveness
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical claim but the foundation of real hope for forgiveness and new life. The mess of sin in our lives and in the world can feel overwhelming, but Jesus’ victory over death means that forgiveness is freely offered to all who trust in Him. No matter your past or present struggles, the good news is that Jesus’ resurrection brings the promise of restoration, peace, and a fresh start for every soul who comes to Him. [28:32]
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Reflection: What is one area of guilt or shame you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting that His resurrection power is enough to forgive and restore you?
Quotes
Because today is Easter, how about we do this? How about we look at one of the disciples of Jesus's historical account of the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus together? Because some of you have probably heard about the resurrection story, but I don't know if you've read it, if you've ever read it. [00:04:31]
If you're someone who is a a Christian, maybe a person who is, as we like to say, committed to learning and practicing what it means to increasingly submit all of life to Jesus as master and savior. If that's you, I think it's important it's important even on a day like this to recognize that that there are people who have doubts of the resurrection of Jesus. [00:03:32]
Jesus's resurrection from the dead proves that doubts about the validity of Jesus rising from the dead do not disqualify doubters, but instead invites doubters. So, here's the crazy idea. [00:04:13]
But there's this other side of the story. There's another side that really isn't talked about as much. Not because it isn't obvious, but because it's just not as, I don't know, fun. And what is that? Well, it's this little idea that doubt and skepticism have always preceded the belief that Jesus is who he said he was. [00:09:32]
I've been a follower of Jesus long enough to know that sometimes it's hard to see Jesus as he truly is when you are overwhelmed by what you believe to be true of your current circumstances. I know it's hard. [00:10:53]
It's hard to see Jesus as caring when it feels like you have the weight of the world on your shoulder. It's hard to see that Jesus is the one who blesses those who mourn. When sorrow and mourning just doesn't seem to go away. [00:11:24]
It's hard to see Jesus as a solution to the problem of our sin in the world when when we're consumed so much with anger and with hurt or trauma by the sin of others in the world or or even more so by those who who claim to be followers of Jesus. [00:11:41]
Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." [00:14:55]
One of the greatest misconceptions people have about genuine faith in Jesus is that doubt is the enemy of faith one of the biggest misconceptions is That's that's what many people assume, right? If you have if you have questions, if you wrestle, if you're uncertain, you're out. You are out. [00:17:48]
When we define faith as absolute certainty, we end up trying to find evidence to confirm what we have already decided to believe. We stop listening. We stop learning. We stop letting the scripture shape us. And suddenly we're not being discipled by Jesus. We're trying to disciple him. [00:18:31]
If you read the scripture with the heart to be transformed by it, instead of a heart to weaponize your so-called beliefs, if you embrace regular rhythms of learning from the scripture about the truth of God within the context of a community of people that you can see, touch, have who can see your life as I'm not talking about that social media influencer that you really, really like who says all the stuff that you really really like that doesn't even know you from Sam. [00:20:04]
When you live life this way, I believe you will discover what followers of Jesus over hundreds of years have come to realize, which is this, that doubt does not disqualify you from a deep life of faith. You see, when you when you take this journey of faith outside of the context of community, when doubt seeps in, the only option sometimes you feel for dealing with your doubt is going away, is deconstructing, is removing yourself. [00:20:54]
The first reason is this. There's reasonable historical evidence that Jesus actually rose from the dead. Now, I know some people are like, "Well, prove it. Well, prove it. Prove it. Prove it. Okay. Well, you prove to me that George Washington lived." And the only way you can prove it is in the same ways and actually verifiably through scripture. [00:22:29]
But something something happened. Some something happened that transformed them from doubters and cowards and made them into bold witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. Here's how I think that happened. Over a port period of 40 days, more than 500 people claim to be eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Jesus. [00:23:26]
Christianity didn't explode because Jesus was a great teacher. It exploded because people were convinced that a man predicted his death and lived to tell about it. Jesus, the son of God, rose from the dead. It's because of the number of people who claimed to have seen him. [00:24:43]
When I think about the mess that sin has made in my own life, and then when I think about the mess that sin has created in the world around me, it is truly good news to to me that Jesus offers to freely forgive my sins. This is why I believe in the resurrection. [00:28:11]
