Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he 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.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:24-29, NIV
Our focus this week is on the human side of the disciples after the resurrection. Though some might argue that they were not yet filled with the Holy Spirit, even our own experience bears out that we often revert to the natural mind over the spiritual mind when we are under stress. This was certainly the case with the disciple known as Thomas.
To begin with, Thomas made at least three blunders. First, he didn't make the first meeting that Jesus showed up to. We have no idea where he may have been, but he missed the "big reveal." Second, he didn't believe the testimony of the other disciples. Third, he must have been from Missouri because he wanted to see it for himself, gaining him the new nickname, "doubter."
Thomas doesn't get much "air-time" in the gospels. In the eleven verses in which he is mentioned, five of them are in lists, two were statements of cluelessness, and the rest are found in these verses. I feel bad for Thomas, because I am sure there was a lot more to his story than these. Historically, he made good by becoming the apostle who took the gospel to India.
That being said, here are a few reasons I think we should be like Thomas. First, he questioned his faith. Faith in Jesus is not a blind experience. It is founded on history and a personal relationship with Him. While we now have the bible as our testimony and the Holy Spirit as our witness, Thomas did not. Jesus, in His interaction with Thomas, did not chastise him for his lack of faith.
The second reason I think we should be like Thomas is that he was open to having his mind changed. Too often, we can lock into mindsets and dogmas that need a visitation from Jesus to break through. Thomas was quick to change his mind. This ability to repent was his strength, and can also be ours.
The third reason I think we should be like Thomas was that He was quick to worship Jesus. When he realized he was in the presence of Jesus, he immediately declared his obedience (my Lord) and his worship (my God). This is the heart of a true disciple.
Let's try not to judge Thomas too harshly. We also are caught without faith on a regular basis. Instead, we can learn from him by having a thoughtful faith, a heart that is open to repent, and a life that is set on obedience and worship. Have a great day!
Love, Pastor Stuart