There’s not a lot mentioned about Thomas in the Bible, but from what little is said, I think I would like him. Also known as Didymus, meaning “twin,” he was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He has been given the dubious nickname “Doubting Thomas,” but I often wonder if this wasn’t because he was the guy who said what everyone else was thinking. Here are a few examples of what I mean.
When the disciples got the word that Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus was very ill Jesus decided to go to Judea to visit him. Some disciples tried to convince Jesus this wasn’t a good idea because the Jews there wanted to kill him. However, Thomas said, “Let us also go so we may die with him.” (John 11:16) In other words, “Jesus is determined to go so I guess this as good a day as any to die. Let’s follow Jesus!”
At the Last Supper Jesus had an intimate discussion with the disciples to give them edification for the future. He spoke of preparing a place for them and said, “Whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas replied, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) You can’t convince me all the other disciples fully understood everything, but Thomas had the guts to say, “Hey, I don’t think I’m totally getting this.”
In the evening of the day Christ rose from the dead, Jesus came to the disciples. He showed them his nail scarred hands and his pierced side. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn’t there. (John 20:19-23) When the disciples told Thomas Christ had risen and they had seen him he said, “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.” (v. 23, 24) Now Jesus had already revealed his scars to the others, but not to Thomas. Personally, I’m not all that sure some of those other disciples wouldn’t have said the same thing if they hadn’t seen Jesus with their own eyes.
Eight days later when all the disciples, including Thomas, were together Jesus came to them again. Jesus told Thomas to touch his scars and “be not faithless, but believe.” Thomas humbly responded with, “My Lord and my God.” In fact, Thomas is the first disciple to refer to Jesus as both Lord and GOD. Jesus replied, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (v. 24- 29) I don’t think this is a rebuke or disparagement of Thomas’ faith. I see it as Jesus using an opportunity to teach a life lesson, which he so often did.
I sooooo identify with Thomas. He was the guy who said what everyone else was thinking. He may not have always been totally sure what Jesus was talking about, but that didn’t stop him from following him. At times he needed a little more convincing, sometimes he didn’t. I don’t know about you, but that describes my Christian journey. Reading about Thomas gives me great comfort and hope.
