The Role of Human "Weakness" in New Testament Characters Anonymous College

Though the New Testament is meant to lead people onto the path of following God’s will, it details many events in which God’s most loyal followers such as the apostles, and even his son Jesus, hint at doubting God’s will and even betray their faith. Although Jesus is often considered to be one and the same with God, the New Testament shows the reader that more often than not, he is more human than divine. He is the son of God, but he has his doubts about God’s instructions, and his closest friends and followers seem to waver occasionally in terms of their ability to stay on the path of righteousness, as do many believers. This may seem to be a fatal flaw for Christians; however, the idea of human error is what makes Jesus and his disciples effective advocates for God’s word.

One of the most notable events of biblical doubt occurs when Thomas reacts to the news that Jesus has been resurrected from the dead. His immediate response is “except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe”(John 20:25). When Jesus eventually comes to see Thomas, he is noticeably disappointed, but does not condemn his apostle. Rather, he invites the...