One of Jesus most loyal disciples was Thomas who was also called Didymus. Didymus means “the twin.” There is little that we know about Thomas. This could mean that he comes from a less-than-noteworthy background. Perhaps he was a simple tradesman, or a fisherman, we will never know. The writers of the gospels thought it more important to tell about Christ.
Thomas is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” He came by this title in the 20th chapter of John. After the resurrection, Jesus appears to His disciples. Thomas is not present that day. When he hears about Jesus he says, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” This is a predictable reaction. He did not see. He wanted to believe, but he saw Jesus arrested. It was a very real thing that Jesus died. To rise again… it would take great faith to believe without seeing. Because he doubted what his fellow disciples reported, he is known as Doubting Thomas. Thomas is also credited with making the clearest statement of Jesus’ divinity in the scriptures. Shortly after this encounter Thomas sees Jesus. When Jesus appears Thomas makes his declaration, “My Lord and My God.” This beautiful statement makes very clear who the risen Lord is to Thomas and the world.
Loyalty was trademark of Thomas. When Jesus wanted to go to his friends, Lazarus, who was sick, Mary and Martha, many of the disciples urged him not to go because they knew his life was in danger. It was Thomas who said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (John 11:16)
Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas becomes the apostle who leads a mission to India. It is said that Thomas was selected by the disciples to carry the good news of Jesus to India. Thomas was reluctant to travel that far from his home and worried that he would survive the journey. He establishes several churches along the way. While he was doing this work, Thomas is said to die as a martyr. His final act was giving money as charity.
Thomas left his simple life to follow Jesus. He had no idea where he would go, or what would happen to him as he followed Jesus. He witnessed many amazing and miraculous things because he was willing to trust in God’s amazing grace. From Galilee to India, Thomas trusted God. Because he believed and trusted he was able to share God’s love and hope with so much of the world.
The life of Thomas tells us that all disciples will have moments of strong faith and moments of doubt.
This Week:
Consider your own faith, its strength and weakness. One sure way to strengthen your faith is through gratitude. What about God’s amazing grace are you thankful for? Take time to pray and offer your gratitude to God, that your faith may be strengthened today.
Questions to Consider:
- What questions do you have about faith?
- How important is it to you to grow in your faith?
- Do you have a deeper faith now than you did five years ago? Why or why not?
Focus for the Week:
Just like any discipline, if you want to do better or know more, you have to practice and study. Give time to grow in your faith through study. When you have doubts or questions, don’t be afraid to share them with others. Make time each day this week to reflect on the phrase, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:16-29)
