Am I Thomas?

Thomas missed the meeting, and this led to his not seeing Jesus and becoming “Doubting Thomas” and sermon material for thousands of years. Point number one for many of these sermons is don’t miss the meeting which leads to point number two, don’t doubt what your friends say.

How about you? Do you see a little of yourself in Thomas? Don’t be so difficult with our friend. I am convinced that Thomas is a reflection of everyman and everywoman.

Scripture bears out that even the eleven disciples present when Jesus appeared to them, were frightened and had doubts! Jesus had to prove to them that it was actually Himself! Jesus!

The whole story comes together when both gospels, Luke and John, are consulted. Let’s read these verses.

Jesus himself stood among them (the disciples) and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! …“Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I, myself! Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost!... Still, they stood there undecided. Luke 24:36-41

Now Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So, the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he (Thomas) 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.”

(When Thomas saw Jesus) Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-28

The disciples were undecided and unbelieving when in the very presence of Jesus! It had been a long three days. Some of the women reported seeing an empty tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid. Additionally, one woman reported that she saw Jesus, alive, and had a conversation with Him. Finally, two of the believers from Emmaus reported eating a meal with their risen Lord. It was too much.

Suddenly, Jesus appeared to His disciples in their locked room. They literally went to pieces! Did they believe in Jesus’ physical presence with them? No.

Did they believe it was Jesus when He asked the men to verify that it was actually Him by checking his nail prints? No.

Did they believe when Jesus gave permission to touch Him? Again, No.

Let’s bring Thomas into the story. He was not with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them and allowed them to work through all of their doubts. Do you doubt me? Read the above Scripture again and let it sink in! Thomas was missing so he merely voiced what the other disciples had demonstrated when Jesus appeared to them.

The eleven disciples saw Jesus and painstakingly came to the conclusion that Jesus was really who He said that He was. Did you get that? It took time for them, and they did everything that Thomas verbalized and wanted to do. The disciples were all “Thomas!”

It seems to me that we are all “Thomas.” Now be honest, would you have believed that Jesus was alive after witnessing His horrible death? We are quick to condemn Thomas while not really believing that Jesus is alive.

Before you jump in to correct me, remember, we have had over two thousand years of sermons, explanations, and read-the-Bible-through sessions. Thomas and the rest of the disciples were experiencing Jesus’ resurrection for the first time. This was all new to them.

So…Ken, what is your point?

Here it is simply. Jesus did not deride Thomas over His unbelief. He was patient and loving while giving Thomas time to assimilate this wonderful news. Actually, Thomas responded more quickly than the other disciples and swiftly became a strong believer!

How about you? Are you a “Thomas?” Jesus has more patience than you can imagine, and He is waiting for you. To do what?  To believe in Him and accept Him as your Savior.

Put aside the “Thomas” and become the believer.

Ken