“Thomas was not with the ten disciples … told him ‘We have seen the Lord.’ Thomas said, ‘Except I shall see the wounds in His hands and put my hand in the wound of His side, I will not believe … eight days later … Jesus appeared and said to Thomas, ‘reach your finger and put it into the wounds of my hands and thrust your hand into the wound of my side. Be not faithless but believe. Thomas answered, ‘my Lord and my God.’”
John 20:25-29, ELT
1. Thomas – Didymus (Greek means twin) is usually paired with Matthew in the listing of the twelve disciples. He is only mentioned in narrative by John.
2. What is a pessimist? Webster’s definition is, “one who looks on the worst or negative side of things.”
A. KINDS OF DOUBT
1. Thomas doubted his protection by Christ. When Jesus wanted to return to Jerusalem (John 11:16), some disciples (probably including Thomas) counseled Jesus not to go because the Jews had recently tried to stone Him there (John 11:3). When Jesus persisted, Thomas pessimistically answered, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (v. 16).
2. Thomas raised questions where Jesus was going and then doubted how he could participate. Jesus told the disciples of mansions in heaven that He would prepare for them. Because Thomas was not sure of Jesus’ promise, he asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).
3. On Easter Sunday afternoon Jesus appeared in the Upper Room and showed His hands and side to the ten disciples assembled there (John 20:19-20). When they told Thomas, he reacted in unbelief. “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Thomas reflected his heart’s unbelief. The fact that he did not gather with the ten the previous week probably reflected unbelief – his human desire for safety, motivated by unbelief.
4. When Jesus appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room the following Sunday, He singled out Thomas. Why Thomas? Because:
a. Christ needed all the disciples to reflect unity.
b. To complete His prayer that He had lost none except Judas (John 17:12).
5. Jesus said, “examine My hands and side.” “Be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27). The word faithless is apistis, with the prefix “A” meaning neutral faith. Thomas did not have active doubt, nor did he have active faith, he was neutral.
6. Thomas doubted God’s provision (John 21:2). A few weeks after the resurrection, Peter took six disciples fishing. A statement of self-will and backsliding. “I go fishing” (John 21:3). Again, Thomas on the wrong side of faith went along with Peter. Peter went back to his old occupation, perhaps reflecting a lack of trust in God’s provision for Jesus now resurrection ministry. Thomas went with him.
B. TEN PRINCIPLES LEARNED FROM THOMAS
1. The answer to pessimism is not just a look at a “brighter future” but looking to the Word of God.
2. The Examined-Faith Principle. The strongest faith is not just simple belief but is based on examined evidence.
3. The main problem with doubt is the will, not the mind. The doubter does not want to trust God.
4. The Faith Affirmation Principle. Faith is more than correct knowledge or an accurate statement of fact. It is living by the principles of the Word of God.
5. The solution to a problem is never found in skepticism nor doubt, but in a faith acceptance and application of God’s Word to the issue.
6. The unassembled unbelief principle. Most people do not have a reason for missing the assembly of the brethren, such as a regular church service. Owing to the command to assemble (Hebrews 10:25), the example of those in the New Testament (Acts 5:42), and the indwelling presence of Christ in His local body, most unassembled Christians only have an excuse grounded in unbelief, as was the example of Thomas. The believer will want to assemble at the appropriate times.
7. The Pathology of Faith (the descent from faith). The following five steps descend from a life “strong in faith” (Romans 4:20). (1) weak faith (Romans 14:1), (2) little faith (Matthew 14:31; 8:26), (3) faithlessness (John 20:27), (4) doubt (Matthew 21:21). (5) and unbelief (Matthew 13:58).
8. The solution to doubt – establish a correct relationship with Jesus, and work in fellowship with Him.
9. It is possible to be a follower of Jesus and still have doubts. Perhaps Thomas had doubts because he let his head think about the problems when he should have allowed his heart to walk in fellowship with Jesus.
10. The sincerity test. When a person is concerned about doubts, challenge them to sincerely examine Jesus, as they have sincerely examined the problems they see in their mind.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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