7 Things We Can Learn from the Skepticism of Jesus' Apostle, Thomas

A tendency towards skepticism is human. We need to "see" to grasp a concept fully. Just as architectural plans may not reveal the essence of a new house, and visions of a splendid wedding day fall short of capturing its actuality, the divide between our envisioned realities and their tangible manifestations remains distinct.

Jesus called twelve men to be His followers, including Thomas. He wrestled with new thoughts initially, navigating the schoolroom of faith alongside his fellow disciples. His perspective was clear: "If I do not witness it firsthand, I cannot bring myself to believe it," declared Thomas. 

The disciples shared meals, listened, and witnessed Jesus' miraculous acts, including the resurrection of Lazarus. When confronted with Jesus' assurance of preparing a place for his disciples in John 14, Thomas expressed uncertainty about knowing the way. His developing faith found bold expression when, upon hearing of Lazarus's death, he proclaimed, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him' (John 11:16). Thomas' burgeoning faith was evident.

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Following Jesus, Thomas had days filled with excitement and adventure. Thomas witnessed unbelievable healings, saw the dead raised, and sat in the crowds as Jesus miraculously fed thousands from a few loaves and fishes, challenging the limits of human logic.

The disciples deepened their relationship with Jesus through exhilarating days of seeing miracles that defied logic and listening to His teachings on loving their enemies, also defying logic. His divine authority, teachings, and miracles drew the crowds to Jesus.

The days overflowed with excitement, joy, and laughter, with the triumphant Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem as the highlight. The crowds of people waving palm branches and throwing their garments down proclaimed Jesus as King. However, the jubilation swiftly faded with the Last Supper, marking the onset of Judas's dreadful betrayal. Faced with the impending arrest, the disciples scattered in fear. Balancing the recent months' excitement with the terror of Jesus' death gave rise to a fresh wave of concerns, fears, and unanswered questions.

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Thomas may have harbored dreams of a liberated Israel, free from the oppressive rule of the Romans, once the Messiah arrived. The anticipation of a transformed reality fueled by the miraculous deeds of Jesus instilled hope for a new kingdom. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fueled expectations for a radical change. However, the events that unfolded during the week shattered these hopeful visions.

As the week progressed, the optimism of a just and liberated Israel gave way to confusion and disbelief. The stark contrast between the humble donkey ride and the brutal crucifixion left Thomas grappling with unanswered questions. How could the miracle worker Jesus end up being crucified alongside criminals? The promised justice and the end of Roman mistreatment seemed elusive. 

With each nail thud during Jesus' crucifixion, the shattered dreams of a new kingdom echoed in Thomas' heart. The flood of tears witnessed at the crucifixion washed away all hope. Jesus was dead and buried, leaving a void of uncertainty.

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Unbelief was not an uncommon thread among the disciples, mirroring the journey of faith experienced by followers of Jesus throughout history. The stormy weather served as a powerful illustration. A gripping fear engulfed the disciples in the boat as the storm raged. Their anxiety is heightened by Jesus peacefully sleeping amidst the turmoil. They woke him, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" (Matthew 8:25). After Jesus calmed the storm, he asked the disciples, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" 

Three times throughout events, Jesus told the disciples of His approaching death and crucifixion, explaining He would fulfill everything written about Him in the prophets and rise from the grave. All the careful explanations to prepare for the grueling death of their Savior made little sense to those men in training. 

After Jesus explained the third time of his death, "they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said" (Luke 18:34). 

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In the aftermath of hurt and confusion, Thomas, wrestling with his emotions, remained skeptical and withdrawn from the company of his friends. 

On a fear-laden Sunday evening, ten disciples huddled behind locked doors. Thomas was absent. Unexpectedly, Jesus appeared in their midst and provided the comforting words for their troubled hearts, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). Seeing the scars of Jesus in His hands and His pierced side, joy overwhelmed the disciples. 

Faced with their jubilant testimonies, "We have seen the Lord!" Thomas remained skeptical. His response resounded with doubt: "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). 

Despite three years with Jesus, witnessing healings and miracles that defied understanding, doubts and confusion still lingered. Faith's depth required more than memories; it demanded a direct encounter with the risen Christ. 

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John 20 verses 26-29 recount how Jesus, the loving Shepherd, pursues one disciple like a lost sheep. A week later, the disciples were again together in a powerful and passion-filled encounter. This time, Thomas was with them. Behind locked doors, Jesus appeared, offering a gentle, "Peace be with you!" Like a Shepherd calling back a lost sheep, Jesus responded to Thomas' demand for proof with gentleness, saying, 

"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side." 

In this moment, once distant and skeptical, Thomas became the focus of the Shepherd's loving pursuit. It wasn't a rebuke but a tender invitation to touch and believe. Something shifted. Skepticism transformed into an irresistible love flowing from Jesus to the once-doubting disciple, now fully convinced Thomas of Jesus' identity. I envision Thomas, overcome with tear-stained cheeks, falling in worship before Jesus boldly declaring, "My Lord and my God."

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In a transformative shift, Thomas, once trapped by doubt, now stood as a devoted worshiper of his Savior and resurrected Lord. Empowered by this loving encounter, he embraced a new purpose, ready to devote the rest of his life to service to the Kingdom of God. This pivotal moment marked the culmination of Thomas' journey from skepticism to unwavering faith, a testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.

Thomas' hesitation to confident faith opened the door for the rest of us Thomases who question and doubt God's ways. Jesus answers our doubts with reassurance and blessing that resonates as an affirmation for future believers. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

This jubilation in the resurrection of Jesus, with the firm faith of the eleven disciples, including Thomas, recognized the purpose of their calling: to proclaim the powerful message and share the Good News of the gospel to the world, offering salvation and eternal life for all who believe.

Conclusion

Although we can't reach out and touch Jesus as Thomas did, we can unite in the transformative power of faith, drawing encouragement from the words of Jesus: "Stop doubting and believe." We, together with all the saints, echo the sentiments of Paul, proclaiming, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

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