24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “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 it.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-29
The account of Thomas’ doubt resonates so deeply with many of us that it has led us to identify Thomas as doubting Thomas. Interestingly, by most Gospel accounts Thomas is actually more devout than full of doubt (see John 11:16; 14:5-7). Yet, the doubt Thomas experienced and expressed has been such a consoling story for many within the Christian faith that, unsurprisingly, it is this particular story that rises to the forefront of many people’s minds when they consider Thomas the apostle.
Each of us on our journey with Jesus has moments of great devotion as did Thomas. But, we are also prone to moments of doubt as was Thomas. This past Sunday I shared some thoughts when walking with doubt (no matter how long or short the season). Here is what I see from Thomas and his 7 day doubt account found in the Gospel of John.
Thomas remained in community – while he doubted
In verse 26 we read “A week later his [Jesus] disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them.” This may seem small but it speaks volumes. Thomas was with the disciples. Evidently his doubt was not intimidating to his friends and family. He was not shunned or separated from community but continued to operate within this gathering of the disciples. The disciples did ask him to remain in the hallway – but, he was in the room. I absolutely love this. Doubt is not intimidating to the earliest followers of Jesus. You see doubt mentioned in Matthew 28 as well of all things. Disciples had gathered at Jesus ascension and many worshipped, but some doubted.
Something must also be said of Thomas himself. He didn’t leave community because of his doubt. He didn’t let it become an obstacle for himself. He kept showing up. Kept breaking bread. He kept himself in community.
I see many a Christian who stands to learn something from Thomas. Instead of letting doubt drag one away may the account of Thomas encourage you to stay and remain. Equally so, may it encourage those of faith to embrace and be patient with others during their doubt. We see lessons all the way around for those willing to see. What a blessing this account of Thomas can be for the body of Christ.
Thomas remained devout – while he doubted
A brief historical study, as well as reading of the Book of Acts, will reveal the devotion of the disciples and their rhythms of worship. Even before their encounters with Jesus they were devout in prayer, and other spiritual disciplines. We have absolutely no reason to think otherwise of the disciples during Thomas week of doubt as well. Simply put: Thomas was devout during his doubt. Far too many remove themselves from the practices of prayer, Scriptures and worship when they are walking through doubt. This is far too easy. It is an unhelpful approach. I encourage people to continue with their spiritual disciplines even with the doubt. Why? Well, doubt isn’t a label over our lives but rather a moment or a season. There is no other area we would seek to throw off discipline simply because of convenience or we “felt like it.”
Several years ago, during a season of doubt in my own life I remained devout within the disciplines of faith. I went to church. I went to chapels at my college. I read Scripture. I prayed. I didn’t feel much like doing any of them. But, I remained. One foot in front of the other. May I encourage you to do the same.
We live in days where I believe that spiritual disciplines are critical. Doubt is a real thing. It is a feeling. It is a thought. It can wrap around us like a blanket on a cold day. It can seep into every fiber of our being. It can have feel like paralysis of the soul. And yet, we don’t have to give it the reins of control of our present nor our future. We can remain hopeful, focused, and disciplined.
Thomas was transformed by the presence and person of the Resurrected Jesus Christ
Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God!” is the testimony of all who’ve encountered Jesus Christ. He truly changes everything in our lives. I cannot express enough how vital Thomas’ encounter with the Resurrected Christ was. My prayer for everyone is that they would encounter and experience the living God. Ephesians 3:16-19 which Paul penned is the beautiful encounter prayer he prayed for his flock in Ephesus. Reason and logic are vital and lead us so far. But, when we encounter the presence of God we are changed. As Blaise Pascal would say, “The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.” Encountering Jesus does and will happen for every doubting heart. But, as I mentioned above there are ways to walk with doubt. Do not yield to your doubt, but let the doubt yield to your spiritual discipline(s). God is at work. He is on the move in ways you may not even realize yet. He will find you. He will lift you up. He will lead your heart to the ways of life – the ways of His life (John 10:10).
Paul Deary 