Who was “Doubting Thomas”?
Go to any playground, and I’m sure you’ll hear a few not-so-nice nicknames being thrown around. Personally, I’ve been called a few different things that I would care to leave in the past. Unfortunately, once a nickname sticks, it can be hard to shake, and the poor soul may be stuck with it for the rest of their life, whether they like it or not.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on a not-so-nice nickname of someone in the Bible: Doubting Thomas. While this name isn’t in the Bible, children in Sunday school are taught this name as a main characteristic of Thomas the Disciple, also known as Didymus.
Why has this name stuck, and is it a fair assessment of Thomas’ character?
This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more here.
Why Thomas is Called “Doubting Thomas”
John 20:24-25
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Thomas hears first-hand from the other disciples how Jesus appeared to them. After traveling with them for three years, I would assume that there was some level of trust among the disciples. But after Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus (Luke 22:3-6), maybe not?
In either case, Thomas questions the validity of what they saw. I wouldn’t think he thought the other disciples were purposefully tricking him, but he doesn’t take their testimony at face value. He wants to see Jesus for himself.
And I don’t blame him.
After traveling with Jesus for so long, wouldn’t you want Jesus to appear to you as well – he appeared to the others. Thomas wants the same for himself.
Unfortunately for us, that’s not typically how God works. He speaks to each of us in different ways, and he reveals different things to each of us at different times.
For me, that’s a frustrating lesson to learn.
I place an imaginary value on what others know and diminish my own faith in the process. It’s not for us to decide what experiences are important – we are to focus on building our own faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and increasing our own trust (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It doesn’t matter what God’s doing with other people.
So with this passage, Thomas has earned the nickname of “Doubting Thomas” within many congregations because he wants to see before he believes.
How Jesus Responds
While Thomas erred on the side of skepticism instead of relying on his faith, Jesus responds to him with grace and understanding, and without condemnation. He meets Thomas right where he is in his doubt and disbelief.
John 20:26-28
26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
God knows our hearts, and He promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him (Matthew 7:7).
Thomas sought proof of Jesus’ resurrection, and Jesus answered all of his questions without reproach; however, in true Jesus fashion, he offered a lesson for all of us.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
We don’t always get to see with our eyes and feel the wounds with our hands, but God blesses those who still believe without seeing first.
Jesus doesn’t judge Thomas for his disbelief, and neither should we.
How Thomas Responds
John 20:28
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
After receiving his answer from Jesus, Thomas humbles himself before the Lord by crying out to him, “My Lord and my God.”
We can choose to respond the same way when God answers our questions. We can turn our disbelief into belief. We can humble ourselves and worship our God. And we can choose to trust God and have faith in His ways, regardless of if we have physical proof or not.
I’m sure Thomas learned this lesson after his experience with the Lord, and he provides a wonderful example for the rest of us on faith. He should be honored for that.
Dear God, thank you for meeting us right where we are. We know that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, but we sometimes forget the power that lives within us.
May we learn from Thomas’ example without judgment. We all fall short of your glory, but your grace and mercy abound. Thank you for loving us and caring about us, even when we make mistakes and forget who you are and whose we are. In Jesus’ glorious name, amen.
As a skeptical person, my heart hurts for Thomas and the nickname he’s been given. What a sad way to be remembered throughout history, especially since Thomas was willing to die alongside Jesus (John 11:16). I don’t want one error in judgment to follow me around for the rest of my life, let alone for all of history to remember.
Instead, I want to honor Thomas for who he was as a disciple and the work that he completed for God – without judging him for questioning his faith. God met him with grace, and I want to do the same for him and those around me.
Hebrews 4:15-16
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Blessings Friend.
Want to remember the prayers you’ve had and the answers you’ve received? Sign up below to receive the free prayer journal. You’ll also get access to my library, full of free printable and cut files. Sign up below!
