what’s wrong with Being a doubting Thomas?
A few weeks ago, our pastor preached a sermon on “Doubting Thomas” (John 20:19-31). Since I plan the music for the worship service, I receive a summary of what his sermon will be about each week. As I looked at his notes, I thought he was crazy. His message was “What’s wrong with being a doubting Thomas?”
“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
I always thought that when Jesus appeared to Thomas and told him that he believed only after seeing Him, that this was a bad thing. That Thomas didn’t have enough faith to believe without seeing the evidence. Many times I find myself like Thomas...asking God for a sign!!!
Who Was Doubting Thomas?
Thomas was one of the twelve disciples called by Jesus and is mentioned in all four Gospels. The name Thomas actually meant “twin” in their language. We are not told if Thomas had a twin or not. In fact, we really are not told very much about Thomas. What was his occupation? What family members did he leave behind when he gave up everything and followed Jesus.
There are a few things that we do know about Thomas.
He was loyal because he gave up everything and followed Jesus for three years.
He wasn’t afraid to ask Jesus questions
He was brave because he was willing to die with Jesus.
Thomas proclaims that he would die for Jesus.
In John 11, Jesus tells the disciples that his friend, Lazarus, is sick and that He needed to return to Bethany. The disciples were fearful and didn’t want Him to go. “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” (John 11:8)
Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus isn’t just sick but that he is dead. He must return. Thomas immediately responds...“Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)
That’s quite a bold statement for someone who has been labeled as “Doubting Thomas”. Thomas believed enough in Jesus that he was willing to give up his own life. I don’t know if I’d be able to make such a bold statement.
Thomas asks Jesus a very important question.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
After Jesus tells his disciples that He must leave them to prepare a place and then return, Thomas ask Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-6
I don’t think that Thomas was doubting what Jesus had said. He simply didn’t understand and so he asked Jesus to explain.
Thomas cannot believe that Jesus is alive
Sunday evening of the resurrection the disciples were locked inside an upper room. Jesus suddenly appears and his first words are “Peace be with you”. He then shows the disciples his wounds and John 20:20 says “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
Thomas wasn’t with the disciples that evening. We are not told why. He may have been fearful for his life and just wanted to get away from the other disciples. Perhaps he was alone somewhere dealing with his own grief. People deal with grief in many different ways.
When Thomas met with the disciples, they told him about their experience and that Jesus was alive. Thomas replies “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.” (John 20:25b)
Thomas wasn’t asking for a special revelation from Jesus, he simply wanted to experience the same thing the disciples had. Thomas needed proof for himself and didn’t want to take the word from the others. Maybe he thought that it was too good to be true. Maybe he thought ‘what’s wrong with being a doubting Thomas"?
What was Jesus’ Response To Thomas?
Thomas had to wait eight days before he received the confirmation that Jesus indeed was alive. I imagine that was a very long week filled with the disciples saying “You should have been there Thomas”, “It was amazing” or “Why don’t you believe us?”
A week later the disciples were together again, and this time, Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Before he even had a chance to ask Jesus, 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.”
Jesus didn’t reprimand Thomas for wanting proof. He didn’t try to embarrass him in front of the other disciples.
Did you notice that it doesn’t actually say that Thomas touched the wounds in Jesus’ hands? He simply showed Thomas what he had requested. Thomas responded to Jesus with a very profound statement.
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
No one else said this….just Thomas. I think that Thomas remembered what Jesus had said in John 14:6 “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Maybe when he went off to be alone, he thought back on all the things that Jesus had said and done during His ministry.
Four Steps To Overcoming Doubt
“Doubt feels like swimming in an alligator-infested swamp. They can be scary and swallow us if we dwell (swim) in them rather than take them to Jesus. ”
Don’t Be Afraid To Doubt - Remember the first thing that Jesus said to the disciples “Peace be with you”. He wants us to have that same peace today.
Have Faith - Even John the Baptist had an unexpected moment of doubt. He asked his disciples to go and ask Jesus, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (John 7:20) John took his doubts straight to Jesus and that is exactly what we must do.
Take Action - Don’t just ask questions but go to the Lord in prayer and seek answers from the Scripture.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Seek Community - Don’t be like Thomas and run away from your fears and doubts. Surround yourself with other believers that will listen and pray with you.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
“To live boldly means that we’re willing to step out in faith to try new things and pursue our God-given dreams and passions without letting the fear of doubt overshadow our faith. Doubt is a fear that can bring a lot of confusion. ”
What fears and doubts are your facing right now? For me it’s the fear of losing my job because my church is facing financial difficulties. I’m 61 years old and I really don’t want to have to go back into the corporate world. My husband wants to retire but feels that he cannot because I need the medical insurance.
I don’t know what you are going through but I have discovered through ‘doubting Thomas” that it’s okay to have doubts as long as you go to the Lord and ask questions. He will give you an answer…although it may not be the one you want! God knows what we need and what’s best for us.
So let’s all be more like doubting brave Thomas and step out in faith to ask God questions, seek His answer and proclaim “My Lord and My God”.
If you are interested in a Bible Journaling template just click here.
