Thomas was a doubter that much is sure. We even have a name
for him; doubting Thomas, because he could not seem to comprehend that his teacher, mentor, rabbi had risen from the dead.
His words are famous now, thanks to John’s gospel: “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 it.” (John 20:25)
We think less of Thomas because of his lack of faith, or
the lack of at least being willing to consider the possibility that Jesus was alive. But think about his situation. He was
the only disciple of the 11 (Judas was dead remember) that had not seen the risen Lord, “So the other disciples told
him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’” He only wanted what the rest had already experienced; a first hand encounter
with Christ in His resurrected state. Why should he be left out?
Actually, Thomas had been a pretty solid guy to this point.
In John 11:16, Thomas declares his unwavering resolve to follow Christ, even if necessary to death! “Then Thomas (also
called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with Him.’” That sounds
like a man who believes in the Son of God, one who possesses an unwavering faith, even to the point of death! How many times
have any of us said that?
And besides, what is so bad about an honest question,
a healthy skepticism? Sometimes it is our questions that drive us to the cross, not away from it! At least Thomas was not
apathetic about faith in Christ; at least he cared enough to doubt; some folks, when presented with the news that Jesus died
on Friday and rose to life on Sunday just yawn, and say “whatever.” He wanted to know; he wanted a faith that
was not based on someone else’s testimony; we might call that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Not that Jesus doesn’t give Thomas some correction!
A week later, Jesus appears to Thomas and says, “Stop doubting and believe.” And this is what I am really thankful
for, and what helps me when I think about my own questions: Jesus loved Thomas enough to step into his world and give him
something to believe in!
Consider the fact that we have a lot in common with Doubting
Thomas. But the Lord considered him significant enough to come to the man, and offer the proof that Thomas so desperately
needed. In times when I struggle, I ask Christ to step into my world too, and offer the assurance that I need. Jesus resurrection
is not a myth; it is a reality, a historical event that has been very well documented, and testified to by many eye witnesses
(eleven of them even died for the cause-they were so convinced!)
And I trust that anyone who comes to God with an honest,
questioning heart will find the same assurance that Thomas did. This is what Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen
me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John concludes the 20th chapter by saying, “Jesus
did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
