So That You Might Believe

“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came” (John 20:24). Thomas was not at the first encounter the disciples had with Jesus after the resurrection. And he is often remembered for his doubt and then touching the Jesus’ wounds in order to believe. While reflecting on Thomas’ story this week, I realized that Thomas is quoted several times in the Gospel of John, and in each instance, it is in regards to following Christ.

First is just after the death of Lazarus. When Jesus wants to return to Bethany, the disciples don’t want to go. There were leaders there who wanted to stone Jesus for blasphemy; it was dangerous. “Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead; and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’ Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him’” (John 11:14-16).

Thomas doesn’t understand that Jesus is going to raise Lazarus from the dead. But he does know that Jesus is doing something for them, for their faith. And if Jesus is going to Bethany, Thomas wants to go too, even if it means risking his life.

Then, at the Last Supper, Jesus talks about the betrayal and death that is to come. But he also offers words of comfort: “‘Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me…. I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (John 14: 1, 3-6).

Thomas comes off as logical, but not doubting. He doesn’t follow blindly. He wants clarification, explanation. But he is not looking for loopholes or a way out; he wants to follow Christ. He just wants to understand.

Finally, after the resurrection, Christ appears and speaks to the disciples, who are in hiding. But Thomas isn’t there. Maybe he was the one brave enough to go out and get food. Maybe he was out looking for answers after a horrific week. “So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe’” (John 20:25).

Eight days later, Thomas does see Jesus. “Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe’” (John 20:27-29).

Jesus lets Thomas touch the wounds so that he can believe. And Thomas immediately recognizes Christ, not just as his friend and leader Jesus, but as God.

Thomas gets the bad rap of being “doubting.” He was the only one not in the room when Jesus first appeared to the apostles after the resurrection. Who’s to say what any other apostle would have done in his position? It’s an incredible claim. The others had seen Christ themselves; Thomas was asked to believe on their testimony alone. Thomas doubts, but Christ gives him the evidence to believe that he asks for. And once provided with the presence of Christ and touching his wounds, Thomas does believe.

Most of us don’t get such tangible, concrete assurance. We are asked to believe on testimony. Where Thomas doubted, we are asked to believe. It doesn’t seem fair that Thomas was left out the first time, and it doesn’t seem fair that we can’t have such tangible evidence now. But even though he had a moment of doubt concerning an unprecedented, cosmic miracle, Thomas was a faithful believer. When Jesus calls for belief, Thomas is right there, seeking understanding but ready to go. He loved Jesus and wanted to follow him, even when it was dangerous or confusing. His is a faith worth emulating.