The Faith of Thomas

Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him". (John 11:16)

This verse has made an indelible impression on me! This beloved disciple has been dubbed for all time as “Doubting Thomas” just because of one small point in his life when he faltered for a short moment. Church choruses have been created telling us not to be a “doubting Thomas”.

To me, too much has been made of Thomas's skepticism and too much criticism about when he said “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe". (John 20:24-25). Would I have said the same thing? Would I have also wanted proof or evidence and not just take someone else’s word that Jesus had indeed risen? Yet a short while later, before Thomas even placed his finger into Jesus side, he exclaimed “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28). We forget that the other disciples also could not believe until they too saw the risen Jesus. Who am I to judge Thomas when I was not there, and I have never been tested to the degree that his faith, hope and belief was tested after his Lord had died a brutal death!

This short verse in the Gospel of John (chapter 11, verse 16) "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him", illustrates that Thomas was prepared to die with Jesus, for the Gospel of Truth that Jesus preached! Thomas believed Jesus. He hung on all Jesus' word and deeds, and was prepared to die with Jesus! Who on earth would be willing to die for and with someone, unless they whole-heartedly believed in him and his cause! Here I see a different Thomas; I see a faithful man who Jesus chose because Jesus knew what Thomas was made of and what he'd go on to do for the Kingdom of God! Here Thomas is not talking to outsiders; he is rallying the Twelve to stand firm with Jesus, moving from a discussion to a decision of commitment to follow Jesus whatever happens. Thomas believes the Lord’s path may lead to lethal opposition and that a physical death is a real possibility, yet he accepts the cost. Thomas manifests a fervent love for Jesus.

Tradition tells us that Thomas went to India, resulting in the conversion of many Hindus to Christianity, and to a deep faith in the Lord Jesus. Many of our south Asian friends can attest to the witness and impression Thomas has made in their families and on their very lives. Without Thomas having gone to India, preaching the Gospel there, and eventually dying in India for his Saviour, so many would not know about our Lord Jesus.

This is encouraging because I know I often do not live up to what Jesus called me too do, and chose me for, but I'm glad he sees my potential and is willing to allow me to serve him inspite of my shortcomings, mistakes and sins against him, just as he the saw potential, commitment, and loyalty of Thomas.