Everyday Disciple: Thomas
In our journey of faith, doubt often feels like an unwelcome guest. We might think that to be a true disciple of Jesus, we must have unwavering certainty. However, as we explore the story of Thomas, often labeled as “Doubting Thomas,” we find a narrative that challenges this notion and offers a profound lesson on faith and doubt.
The Journey of a Disciple
The term “disciple” comes from the Greek word “Mathetes,” which implies being a lifelong learner. As disciples of Jesus, we are on a continuous journey of growth and transformation. This journey is marked by moments of clarity and conviction, as well as times of uncertainty and doubt. Thomas’s story is a testament to this dynamic journey.
Thomas: More Than a Doubter
Thomas is often remembered for his doubt, but his story is much richer. In John 11, when Jesus decides to return to Judea, where His life was previously threatened, it is Thomas who courageously declares, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). This is not the voice of a doubter, but of someone deeply committed to following Jesus, even to the point of death.
The Courage to Question
Later, in John 14, Thomas again speaks up, expressing his confusion about Jesus’ path. “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). This question reflects a desire for clarity and understanding, a natural part of any faith journey. Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with reassurance, emphasizing that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
A Personal Encounter with the Risen Christ
After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas famously declares that he will not believe until he sees and touches Jesus’ wounds. When Jesus appears to him, He invites Thomas to do just that. Yet, Thomas’s response is immediate and profound: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This encounter shows that Jesus meets us in our doubts, offering the assurance we need to deepen our faith.
Doubt as a Catalyst for Deeper Faith
Doubt is not the opposite of faith; rather, it can be a catalyst for a deeper, more resilient faith. It drives us to seek, to question, and ultimately, to know Jesus more intimately. As the sermon suggests, doubt can lead us to immerse ourselves in the Word and to experience Jesus in profound ways.
Living Out Our Convictions
Our faith journey encompasses various levels of conviction: what we claim to believe, what we think we believe, and what our actions reveal about our actual beliefs. In moments of doubt, our actions can demonstrate our trust in Jesus as the unshakable foundation of our lives. Instead of turning to temporary sources of comfort, we are called to anchor our lives in Him.
Coming Home to the Father
The story of Thomas reminds us that Jesus is patient with our doubts and questions. He invites us to take one step of faith at a time, leading us home to the Father. Whether we are in a season of firm conviction or wrestling with uncertainty, Jesus is there, ready to catch us as we dive deeper into our relationship with Him.
As we reflect on Thomas’s journey, may we find encouragement to embrace our doubts, knowing that they can lead us to a deeper and more experiential understanding of Jesus. Let us run home to the Father, who longs for us to dine with Him and be fully known and loved.