A LIFE-CHANGING APPOINTMENT WITH THOMAS (JOHN 20:24-29)
Apart from Judas, Thomas is certainly the most maligned apostle. For whatever unknown reason, Thomas was not with the other 10 apostles when Jesus appeared to them in John 20:24. Then when Thomas later rejoined them and heard their testimony about seeing Jesus, Thomas still doubted until he could see the imprint in Jesus hands and put his finger in that place and put his hand into His side. In all fairness, Luke 34:38-39 recorded that the other 10 apostles were troubled and doubted until Jesus showed them His hands and His feet and let them touch Him.
In contrast to the vast majority of people, I am cheering for Thomas. Why? First of all, because he was a twin. His Hebrew name, “Thomas” with its Greek equivalent “Didymus,” means a twin. Since I am a twin, I figured we had to stick together. Though much effort has gone into discovering who his brother was, God didn't think it was important enough to know.
Secondly, I believe that each of us has a little, some a lot, of Thomas in us. Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to San Antonio, to share and officiate at the funeral of the wife of one of my best friends. Karen had a stroke, endured unsuccessful surgery, and a few days later, went home to be with the Lord. Many people prayed, and many shared God's promises for hope and healing, but the Lord decided to take her home. Some of those people involved were troubled and may have doubted the goodness of God, His mercy, or His power. How about you? Is it that physical or financial need? Is it that wayward spouse or child? Is it that besetting sin or habit? There is probably a little bit of Thomas in all of us.
Finally, there are some admirable characteristics of Thomas that are often lost in our reflection of his life. Outside of the lists of the apostles, there are only 3 passages that deal specifically with Thomas, all recorded in the book of John. What we know for certain is that Thomas was a Jew and probably a Galilean. He was likely born to poor parents, became a fisherman, and knew the Scriptures.
The first glimpse of Thomas is seen in his speech to Jesus when expressing His intention of going into Judea again (John 11:16). Jesus resolved to go to Bethany to raise his friend, Lazarus, but the disciples tried to dissuade Him because the Jews were trying to stone Him (John 11:8). Thomas was the only one who spoke up and bravely declared that they should not hinder Jesus and should go with Him even though it meant they might die. Thomas was ready to leave all and dare all for Christ! How strong is your love for Jesus and how far are you willing to go for Him?
The second reference to Thomas brings us to the Upper Room with the disciples gathered around Jesus. Though Jesus would be departing from them, He comforted their troubled hearts as Jesus spoke about the joy of heaven and the preparations He was making for them (John 14:1-4). In John 1:15, we see Thomas' honesty and his limitation of wisdom. “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” In response to Thomas' question, Jesus provided one of the noblest revelations of Himself (John 14:6). Only the “Way” Himself could supply that answer. He is all we need for time and eternity. We can never have more than Jesus; we must never be satisfied with less.
The final appearance of Thomas is when Jesus appeared to him 7 days after He arose from the dead. Jesus knew exactly where Thomas was struggling and He took the initiative to meet Thomas (John 20:27). Then, Thomas gives the grandest and shortest witness in the New Testament as to who Jesus was and is: “My Lord and my God.” Thomas is the only person in the New Testament to address our Lord as God. Thomas' newfound hope would enable him to die for his risen Master. Can you say with Thomas today, “My Lord and my God.” Blessed are those who did not see and yet believe!
