The Forum – July 17 – Going Beyond All Doubt

Eight passages in the New Testament in which Thomas is mentioned. Four are in the lists of the apostles where they mention nothing of Thomas except his name (Mt. 10:3; Mk. 3:18; Lk. 6:15; Ac. 1:13). However John defines him more clearly in three occasions (Jn. 11:16; 14:1-6; 20:24; 21:2). Of these the thing which stands out the most about Thomas is doubt concerning the resurrection of Christ. He has been dubbed a “doubting Thomas.” Was Thomas a mere doubter or a true investigator seeking truth?

Word came that Jesus’ friend Lazarus was very sick. Jesus did not jump up and run to Bethany. Instead He waited until He knew Lazarus was dead. Then Jesus said, “let us go into Judea again” (John 11:7). This sort of behavior probably puzzled the disciples. After all, it was reckless and even to the point of suicidal to go back now. Twice before the Jews at Jerusalem had tried to kill Jesus (Jn. 8:59; 10:31). It is at this point that Thomas proclaimed his willingness to go and die with the Lord, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). Perhaps, there is a touch of fatalism here. However, his statement stands in contrast to the boast of Peter when he said to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee to prison and to death.” As you will recall when put to the test Peter denied the Lord three times. Thomas’ sacrificial attitude is commendable.

All true disciples of Christ must have a willingness to being loyal to the Master to the point of death. After all, the Lord has promised that if we are faithful unto death, He will give us a crown of life (Rev. 2:10). Whether or not he was really ready to die with the Lord we cannot say with certainty. Later, according to tradition we learn, Thomas was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel in the East Indies.

On the last night the Lord would be with His disciples before His crucifixion, He told them that He was going away. Inquisitive Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (14:5). Christ answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (14:6). Thomas could know where and know the way by following Christ. This may have made no sense to them at the time. Yet, in the ensuing years they would be brought to the remembrance of this simple statement. The light would click on. They would know that without the Way they would not be going anywhere. They would understand the without seeking the Truth they would know nothing. Without the Life there could be no living. This apostle was not just a willing disciple, but as a true disciple was willing to follow his Master wherever He went.

On a Sunday after the Lord’s death a special meeting of the disciples was called behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. All of them were there, except Judas of course. But Thomas was also missing. It was during this gathering that the Lord walked into the room and revealed himself alive to them. We do not really know why Thomas missed the Lord’s day meeting of the disciples with their risen Lord on the evening of the resurrection day. No doubt he had convinced himself that his absence was excusable, Whatever the reason, it resulted in him missing an opportunity to meet with the Lord. To witness the evidence of the resurrection and believe.

What did Thomas miss by not being with the other ten disciples on the Sunday evening?

• Thomas missed the joy of seeing and being with the Lord.
• Thomas missed the Lord’s greeting and the blessing of peace.
• Thomas missed a Great Commission Charge give by the Lord to His apostles.
• Thomas missed the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• Thomas missed the comfort and support of other disciples.
• Thomas missed the evidence needed to remove doubt.
• Thomas missed opportunities to share his faith.
• Thomas missed having a good reputation and example among the disciples.

Just think what you miss by not being present to assemble with the saints. Like Thomas you miss being with the Lord who is promised to be there (Mt. 18:20) even if the doors are locked. Had he been present his faith would be at the same level as the rest of the disciples who were present. Many of us have stunted our faith by failure to attend on Sunday night. I know where the Lord will be on the first day of the week. Where will you be? One day the Lord will return. Not to meet with us, but for us to meet Him in the air (1 Th. 4:17). Where will you be when He returns? Will He find you ready?

Thomas wanted to see. He needed proof. He doubted because he lacked the evidence which the others had. However, we believe in the resurrection based upon the testimony of the apostles and the promise of Christ and even the prophecies of old. However, Thomas wanted to see the Risen Lord Himself. All he demanded was the same evidence they had received. Thomas was not going to be gullible nor was he a hardened skeptic. Seeing and touching he did believe.

Lovingly Christ rebuked Thomas for his weakness of faith. His faith was weak because he refused the testimony of his fellow disciples.

Doubt is not always a bad thing. Thomas is an example of a doubter who found the truth. Honest doubt and sincere inquiry help build strong faith.

Today, we have those would be disciples who have been given the eyewitness testimony recorded in the scriptures of Christ’s resurrection. However, they doubt and look for more proof. Unlike, Thomas they will die in doubt for we have been given all the evidence we need to believe.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (20:27). He is saying to his disciples, “Okay here is the evidence, now give Me the proper verdict”. Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas accepted the truth and went from doubt to determination.

Jesus showed Himself alive unto the apostles by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3). Infallible means beyond doubt and without mistake. The New Testament is the proof for our faith today (Rom. 10:17). Hearing the evidence from the eyewitness accounts of history demands our verdict. Our faith is the “evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). We walk by faith, not sight (2 Cor 5:7).

When we think of Thomas perhaps it would be fair to consider more than just his doubting. What about the good example of his willing attitude, following as a disciple and believing the evidence? Also, remember the that his doubting was preceded by his missing.