April 3, 2016

25 So the other disciples told (Thomas who was not present at the first appearance of the risen Lord), “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 is accused of being a doubter. Unfair? Probably, but this is the lasting image that many have of Thomas. He did not believe the other disciples when they said they had seen the Lord, and as such, he is accused of being a doubter – of lacking faith.

Now if we doubt, and we voice that doubt, is it fair that others may accuse us of being “doubters”? I think it is unfair, because, from my perspective, questioning leads to more understanding, not less. I will admit, I have wondered why it seemed so difficult for Thomas to believe. After all, he had the testimony of all the other disciples — wasn’t that good enough for him? But over time the doubt and disbelief of Thomas made more and more sense to me, because his doubt became my doubt.

Over time my questions have shifted. Rather than wonder why Thomas struggled to believe, I wondered why Jesus seemed to answer him so harshly. After all, Thomas only asks for what the other disciples had already received. Have you ever noticed that? After Jesus greets them, he shows them his hand and his sides. Why? To prove that he wasn’t a ghost or apparition or someone who merely looked like Jesus — rather that the one who had been nailed to the cross and pierced in the side was the same one who now stood in front of them, raised from the dead. And so Thomas asks for the same thing. So why the rebuke from Jesus? Maybe, just maybe, our gospel writer is holding up Thomas as an example of how even the most skeptical and hardened realist can come to faith. For after hearing Jesus’ invitation to faith, Thomas makes the great confession of John’s Gospel, calling him not just “my Lord” but also “my God.” Again, his questioning leads to more understanding.

My friends, ask the questions that are on your mind as you read the bible and as you encounter your faith. Do not be afraid to be seen as a “questioner” or as a “doubter”. I worry about the ones who have no questions more than I worry about the ones who have the courage to ask the questions probably everyone has on their minds — but not everyone is willing to dare to ask.

Pastor Dave