Poor Thomas gets a bad rap! One questioning comment and he’s forever marked as a doubter. Thousands of years later, we all know him as “Doubting Thomas” and as the guy whose faith Jesus called out. But maybe, just maybe, that’s not a fair characterization. So – let’s take a closer look at Thomas’ defining moment.
WHAT HAPPENED?
(Reference beginning John 20:19)
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!‘ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
Now, Thomas wasn’t there that day and when he showed up later he had a difficult time believing his fellow apostles’ account. Here’s how I see their conversation playing out.
Them: “Thomas, Thomas! We’ve seen the Lord. He’s alive!”
Thomas: “What?… How can this be true? We saw Him die. This man must be lying.”
Them: “No, it’s true! We know it’s him because we saw the holes in his hand and the scar in his side. He’s definitely alive.”
And then Thomas said the very thing that has marked him for life:
“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.” (To be fair – he only wants the same proof the others were already granted.)
The days go by, and Thomas still hasn’t seen the resurrected Christ. His doubts are surely growing. He wants to believe right along with the others, but he still hasn’t seen anything. (Again – to be fair – would you believe if you had not seen?)
JESUS SHATTERS DOUBTS
A week later Jesus appeared again, and He immediately addressed Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Jesus knew what needs Thomas had before He showed up and He knew how to handle them. He didn’t refuse to show Thomas His scars. He didn’t revoke his apostleship. He didn’t respond in anger or disgust. Instead, He lovingly gave Thomas the very thing he needed in order to strengthen and build his faith. And with that act, Thomas was given the freedom to believe the impossible (something doubters have a hard time with).
Thomas does get a bad rap but he’s far from being the only one who’s ever doubted. The Bible is filled with stories of others. Take Gideon, for example (Judges chapter 6). He was told to gather an army and go to battle. But more than once his doubts troubled him, and he questioned God. He simply wanted verification and God gave it to him readily and willingly.
JESUS MEETS US
Maybe you’re one of the many Christians whose faith takes a hit from time to time. Don’t let it get you down. Don’t let it distance you from God. He’s right there willing and able to shatter your doubts and lift your faith. Remember – if your faith is low at the moment, doubting at the moment, or even barely hanging on, He will always meet you where you’re at and gently guide you along.
God wants us to succeed! I believe it’s His privilege to help us grow. He is, after all, our Father and that’s what fathers do. Most of us, like Thomas, will have moments where our faith wanes. We’re only human, after all. But thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to have perfect faith. Just faith! “Perfect” is His area of expertise – not ours.
Thanks for stopping by!
Armor up! Spread Truth! Pray big!
Love conquers all!
Once again Kendra, your words show your amazing faith. What a blessing you are to me and so many others. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement!!
Thanks! Love your blog!
Thanks, Joyce!!
You are my daughter. The one God has given a gift of expressing understanding and encouragement to others. It is exactly what this old world needs. Thanks Kendra. You just gotta love Thomas. I find that I am so much like him. I want to see and not just hear about miracles. Increase my faith dear Jesus.
Kendra you are a true Ninja Christian. I loved your thoughts on Thomas. I think I am like him in many ways. I want to see, not hear. Especially in todays world. Love you dear daughter.