So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’” vs. 25
John 20:19-25
Thomas did not become famous through his first century missionary journey to southern India, but because he was the only disciple to doubt the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. Even non-religious people use his name, Doubting Thomas, as a label to describe anyone with the spirit of a skeptic. But doubt isn’t the only reason for his unbelief! In fact it would be more accurate if we called him “Absent Thomas,” because the primary reason for his skepticism was likely his absence when Jesus came to visit. He didn’t believe because he wasn’t there! Absence continues to be one of the major reasons why people lapse into unbelief and adopt doubt as a personal mantra. Skepticism isn’t likely the reason for the loss of faith among followers of Jesus. Faith disappears because people just quit showing up! They abandon corporate worship! Everyone has doubts from time to time. It’s a natural corollary of faith–they go together. And when that happens, there is nothing more helpful than the faith of fellow believers. Thomas didn’t drop out of the community when he had doubts, and he wasn’t kicked out. He remained with the others and in due time, his faith was restored. And so it is with us!
Thought for the Day: What do I do with my doubts?
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