HILLFAITH STUDIES: What ‘Doubting Thomas’ Can Teach Us Today

Thomas, the disciple of Jesus Christ known as “Doubting Thomas,” may not seem like somebody with anything important to tell us today, two millennia after the scene described in John 20:24-29.

But in fact there is a crucial detail described in just three words that tells us how the Lord Jesus used Thomas to illustrate for us today a vitally important lesson for our daily lives. Those three words are these that begin verse 26 – “After eight days …”

Look at what happens just before and then after those eight words. Before those words, Thomas was not present when Jesus made His first post-Resurrection appearance to 10 of the disciples (we aren’t told why Thomas was not there on that occasion and the other absentee is, of course, the traitor, Judas).

Verses 24 and 25 explain that Thomas scoffed when the other 10 told him they had seen and talked with the Resurrected Jesus. “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails and put my hand in His side, I will never believe.”

At this point in his life, Thomas would have fit right into post-modern society, with its emphasis on scientific materialism as the only credible source of truth. He could also be right at home in Missouri, the “Show Me” state, were he with us today.

In any case, Thomas makes it clear to his fellow disciples that he’s not with the program and won’t be until he sees definitive proof that Jesus really has been resurrected and actually is alive.

Now think about this – the guy has made a clear declaration of non-belief, but he still sticks around with the rest of the disciples and the other followers of Jesus. Why didn’t he instead pack up his belongings and head back to Galilee where he first met Jesus and resume his previous life?

But that’s not what Thomas does. He sticks around for more than a week. Clearly, there must have been a reason why he stayed. Was it because the other disciples kept telling him what they had seen and heard?

He had worked with and trusted them for several years before Jesus was crucified and buried, so he must have been torn between that trust and his own doubts. And don’t forget, he had witnessed multiple miracles by Jesus, so he had a reservoir of experience that told him anything was possible with Jesus.

So he persevered. And look what happens as a result!

“After eight days, His disciples were indoors again and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, ‘Peace to you.'” (Verse 26)

“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.’ (Verse 27)

“Thomas responded to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (Verse 28).

The lesson for us today is this: There are times when His followers, even those who seem to have the strongest, most mature faith, can become depressed or doubtful, or any of the many emotions that all humans are subject to in difficult times this side of Heaven.

But faith perseveres and we can know, thanks to Thomas, that God rewards those who persevere in Him. I know this to be so true from my own recent experience. If you are in one of those places, keep praying, stay centered in the Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to comfort and refresh you in a mighty way, just as the Lord did for Thomas.

He will because He never fails (see Joshua 21:45). Maybe not immediately and maybe not in the way you expect or prefer. But He will if you stick around and have faith.

---