Thomas – Not Just A Doubter.
Did you ever have a nickname you hated? A label that you just couldn’t shake, no matter what you did. Well, if Thomas were still around today, that’s exactly how he would feel!
For centuries, Christians have called him “Doubting Thomas” even though he had one moment of skepticism, just one! But just like Rahab the prostitute, there’s more to Thomas’ story too.
Thomas was an honest man who never pretended to believe what he didn’t simply to keep up appearances. And he certainly wasn’t a coward! When Jesus talked about returning to Judea, where threats had been made against his life, Thomas was the one who said, “Let’s go too, so we might die with Him!” (John 11:16).
He didn’t run away from hard questions and wanted to see, understand, and know his faith was real.
After the resurrection, when the other disciples said they’d seen Jesus alive, Thomas wanted more than stories, he wanted proof. And when Jesus showed up, Thomas didn’t just believe but confessed wholeheartedly, “My Lord and my God!”
Although the Bible doesn’t mention what happened to Thomas after Jesus’ ascension, early church tradition tells us that Thomas travelled all the way to India to share the good news about Jesus. It is believed that he spent nearly three decades building the church there, even though it wasn’t easy. It is believed that he died as a martyr for his faith – he was speared to death near what is now Chennai (Madras).
Today, millions of Indian Christians trace their spiritual heritage back to “Doubting Thomas,” and he is celebrated as a courageous missionary who brought the hope of Jesus to India, which is almost 3,000 miles away from Israel.
The Verse
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:28
Breaking Down the Verse
Imagine being Thomas. You watched Jesus die – really die. Now, your friends insist they’ve seen Him alive. Would you believe them? Thomas didn’t know what to believe! That is, until Jesus appeared right in front of him! Jesus invited Thomas to “Put your finger here. See my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).
But Thomas doesn’t even need to touch Jesus. He sees Him alive! His heart bursts with joy, and he declares, “My Lord and my God“.
What makes this moment so special is that up till this point, no other disciple, not even Peter, had publicly and directly called Jesus “God”! Thomas becomes the first to worship the risen Jesus as God. In a way, his initial doubt makes his declaration and testimony that much more powerful!
The Real Thomas
Let’s take a closer look at why “Doubting Thomas” is unfair:
Reflection & Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
Even when I doubt, God still loves me with patience and kindness.
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for loving me through my doubts, uncertainty, and questions, just like you did with Thomas. Help me to come to you honestly, knowing you never will turn me away. When I struggle, show me your presence. Lead me from doubt to faith, and help me declare with all my heart that you are my Lord and my God.
Amen.
