Thomas Doubting

You've no doubt heard of Doubting Thomas, the disciple of Jesus, who infamously said, “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" (Jn 20:25).  He was the one disciple that lacked faith, the one whose commitment to the Lord was obviously not up to par with the others.  Right?  Not!

To begin with, the others did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until they encountered the Risen Lord: "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen" (Mk 16:14).  Thomas was not singular in his struggle to believe, he was just late to the party: "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came" (Jn 20:24).

Thomas' doubting was not a reflection of his weakness of character but a statement of both his and the rest of the disciples' lack of understanding regarding Jesus' role as Messiah.  They had in mind a victorious establishment of a kingdom, not a cruel death on a cross.  They had a hard time wrapping their minds around the thought Jesus would actually die, "Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and...that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 'Never, Lord!' he said. 'This shall never happen to you!'" (Matt 16:21-22).

Thomas' understanding of the Messianic Role was thin, but his commitment to Christ and his trust in him was anything but.  Thomas' devotion and belief in the person of Jesus Christ was actually quite remarkable.  Not understanding why Jesus must "go to Jerusalem and die," Thomas, nevertheless encouraged the other disciples, when Jesus declared he was returning to Jerusalem, "Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him" (Jn 11:16).

Thomas doubting did show a misunderstanding of biblical prophecy, it may have displayed a weakness of faith, but it did not display a weakness of character or lack of commitment to Jesus.  He wa doing the best he could with with he had.

Perhaps you have a struggle from time to time with your faith, not understanding why things happen the way they do or that death must rule in the life of even Christians.  Perhaps you find yourself doubting your faith and wondering the reality of what you believe.  Take heart, you are in good company.  For even the Doubting Thomas turned out to be a pillar of faith and an example for us all.  Jus' Say'n.