He cou
ld have been nicknamed “The Follower” for his great statement of love when he told his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (11:16).
He could have been called “The Learner” for his interesting question, “Lord, we don=t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (14:5).
He could have been called “The Confessor” for his short but heartfelt profession, “My Lord and my God!” (20:28).
He could have been given any of those titles, but instead the only name we ever hear Thomas called is “The Doubter”! That’s certainly not how he hoped to be remembered. It is something akin to being known as “The Liar,” “The Quitter,” or “The Rumor Spreader.” Why weren’t Sarah, Gideon, Peter, or Zechariah called “The Doubters”? Scripture exposes them as doubters too.
Perhaps we have been a bit overly critical of this faithful follower of Jesus. Only John gives us any details about this man called Didymus. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each mention Thomas only once, when he was called to discipleship. Some suggest that his name may not have been Thomas at all, since Thomas is more a descriptive term that means “twin.”
The first time John mentions Thomas after his calling was when Jesus was asked to come to the bedside of Lazarus. The disciples knew of the danger awaiting Jesus in Bethany. But it was Thomas who rallied his companions when he boldly said they should go with Jesus, even if it cost them their lives. What a beautiful statement of faith spoken from Thomas’ heart!
Again Thomas spoke when he was with Jesus. Jesus had told the apostles that where he was going they could not go. Thomas rose and asked a heartfelt question, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (14:5). That’s when Jesus gave such a beautiful reply, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (14:6).
The third time we meet Thomas is on Easter Sunday, the day he earned his title. Thomas missed the special visit by Jesus in the locked room. We don’t know where he was or what he was doing, but we can be certain that he wished like everything he would have been there. Thomas only heard the details later, and he discounted them because he wanted to witness it all for himself. What was he to think? Would your answer have been any different?
We can empathize with Thomas. How many times do we suffer from “Thomas syndrome”? “I wonder if God listens to my prayers?” “I doubt that God knows I still exist.” I don’t think God cares for me.” “Where is God when I need him most?” Those doubts and questions are not statements of faith. They come from our heads, not our hearts.
We know exactly what Thomas was thinking. And every time we read this story, we see ourselves in the mirror. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief!
Jesus finally did appear to Thomas and let him touch each scar and inspect each wound. Then Thomas made an eloquent confession, “My Lord and my God!” (20:28). What a powerful admittance of his weakness. Thomas’ faith life was back on track again.
Whatever became of Thomas? Reliable sources tell us that Thomas was a very effective missionary in India. Perhaps his ministry was effective because he had a special understanding of what it was like to truly see the Lord through the eyes of faith, not of sight.
Prayer thought: Thank the Holy Spirit for allowing you to see God’s great love through the eyes of faith.
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