Minister Message - Easter doubt and belief

- By Heather Block, layperson

March 31, 2026

key points from this story:

• Childhood grief shapes Easter reflection
• Disciples’ shock at risen Jesus
• Thomas wrestles with doubt and proof
• Jesus answers doubts with compassion
• Call to trust Christ’s saving love
• John’s Gospel written to inspire belief

I was 10 years old the first time I remember being so profoundly impacted by death. My dad’s twin brother died leaving behind his wife and 4 children. At the funeral I remember thinking how amazing it would be if all of a sudden, my uncle was alive again. That maybe he would just come back to life again and get out of that casket! It was so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he would not be visiting with us on earth ever again. He loved the Lord so I knew he went to heaven but I missed him here!

As I thought about Easter, it brings to mind how devastated the disciples and Jesus’ followers felt when their Savior was crucified and then laid in the tomb. Jesus had told them of His death and that three days later He would rise again, yet it just never seemed to cross their minds! While gathered behind locked doors for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you” John 20:19. I can’t imagine how shocked, thrilled, excited, and confused they must have all felt. In fact, Thomas wasn’t there and when he was told about it, he didn’t even believe the disciples. Thomas said to them, “unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” John 20:25

Well, a week later, Jesus, knowing how Thomas felt, appeared to the disciples once again so that Thomas could know that Jesus truly was alive. Jesus, giving Thomas opportunity to see His hands and His side lovingly tells Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe”.

Is that you this Easter? Do you doubt how much Jesus loves you and that you can know that you are saved? Jesus would say to you as well, “Stop doubting and believe”. The Gospel of John was written for exactly that purpose, “that you may believe…and that by believing you may have life in His name” John 20:31