Portraits: Thomas

Thomas The Apostle

Doubt.

What does it mean to doubt?

Definition:

a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

Biblical concepts: “Uncertainty about the truth and reality of spiritual things. Also: Agnosticism; Ambivalence; Doubting; Hesitation; Indecision; Mistrust; Reluctance; Skepticism; Unbelief.”

We’ve all had moments or periods of doubt in our lives, but doubt can be a GOOD think if it leads us to look deeper or research things further.

We’re going to look at someone who’s known for his doubt

Called Thomas, Didymus, The Twin

Typically overlooked in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and Acts.

Only referenced as “One of the Apostles”

There’s more too him than that and he seemed quite brave.

When Jesus wished to return to Bethany of Judaea because Lazarus had died, Thomas was the only one who said lets all go!

English Standard Version Chapter 11

8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”

There is a legitimate threat against them as far as the apostles are concerned, but Jesus isn’t worried because He knows it isn’t yet His time to die.

English Standard Version Chapter 11

14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Brother was ready to die! Not just, “let’s go and see what Jesus is going to do,” but legit ready unto death!

A bit later we see Thomas being brave again. In John 14, when Jesus tells the Apostles they already know the way to where He was going, Thomas speaks up and is like, “uh, where?”

English Standard Version Chapter 14

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Two amazing examples of brave actions from Thomas aka the Twin!

Yet, the thing Thomas is mostly known for is his doubts.

After Jesus’ resurrection we read in Chapter 20 of John:

English Standard Version Chapter 20

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

So even someone knows the LORD, who’s walked with the LORD, who bravely proclaimed, “we will die together!” Still suffered with doubt.

Two takeaways:

1 - doubt can creep in our minds even when we know the Truth, and it’s important to surround ourselves with people that can help us remain in the Truth. God gave us each other in order for us to be the Church together!

2 - Even when we hope that people will remember us for our bravery or boldness, we may be remember as something else. IT’s not about what other’s think of you, only what Jesus says about you.