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The Apostle Thomas has been labeled for centuries as a ‘doubter’. As a matter of fact, Thomas’s doubts have become so ubiquitous that even people who have no interest in the Bible or Christianity will use the phrase ‘doubting Thomas’ to label anyone who doesn’t believe in a certain cause or statement. But why have people given Thomas such a hard time? I mean, don’t we all deal with doubts at times? The truth is, sometimes we are insecure about allowing room for people to have doubts or questions about God, Christianity or their faith because we are afraid it may tarnish the image of a resolute army of believers marching forwarding perfect unison. But is that true? Do doubts weaken our faith? Better yet, are those God’s thoughts on the matter? I think Thomas got a raw deal and I think you should ask more questions. Here’s why…
I recently did a study on the Apostle Thomas in preparation for a message I was to give on him (video below). In my studies I found that Thomas wasn’t so much a skeptic as much as he was sober in his thinking and sincere in his engagement. He just wanted to make sure he understood what was going on so he could fully give himself to the cause. I didn’t find him full of doubt, skepticism or criticism. Unfortunately, many have taken that earnest desire to understand and labelled it as a lack of faith and a weakness in his character. And, of course, if that’s true of one of Jesus’s apostles we can’t allow anyone lesser off the hook… meaning, you and I must wear the badge of shame as a ‘doubter’ if we have sincere desire to understand. But is that really what God intended us to draw from the life of Thomas? Beyond that, is that really how we are to treat each other when we have questions? (Click Here to Read My Post ‘Do You Care Enough To Ask a Question?’)
God Loves Questioners
Jude 22 says, ‘Be merciful to those who doubt.’ If you study the life of Thomas you’ll find that in the three passages of scripture where he is highlighted, in each case he was sincere and longing for clarity so as to follow Jesus, even unto death if necessary. As a matter of fact, in the famous ‘Doubting Thomas’ passage of scripture (John 20:19-29) where he says he won’t believe Jesus is raised from the dead unless he puts his fingers in His hands and side (where Christs’ wounds were from the crucifixion), Thomas is only desiring to do the very same thing ALL the other disciples were able to do a few verses earlier (vs 19). In other words, Thomas simply wanted a personal encounter with Jesus JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHERS HAD! Is this unreasonable? Is this worthy of being labeled a ‘doubter’ for all eternity? I believe it is a great example for us all to not simply take someone else’s word when a genuine encounter of our own is accessible and available. Oh that we would all contend for a personal encounter with Jesus as He has been so faithful to provide for multitudes for generations! And isn’t Jesus willing to do such a thing today? He was for Thomas and I believe He is for you as well. (Click Here To Read My Post ‘Relationships Aren’t Efficient’)
Sometimes the church has labelled those with sincere questions as ‘doubters’ or ‘not having enough faith’. I am so sorry. The church is the bride of Christ, but she is not perfect and is lead by imperfect people (like myself). Don’t blame God for the immaturity of His children. Keep asking your questions and keep honestly pursuing an answer and an intimate encounter with the God of truth who is not intimated by your questions or your concerns. The real question for you will be, ‘do you want to be well?’ Jesus asked the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda this question because the man gave reasons (excuses) for why he hadn’t been able to be helped. Jesus was offering help. The questions was, did the man truly want it? The same question is being asked of each of us in our areas of doubt. God loves to hear your questions as long as they are genuine and sincerely seeking an answer. Sometimes we hide behind our questions because they make us feel safe and unaccountable. That will not do. That is not sincere. That is an effort at intellectual hiding. (Click Here To Read My Post ‘Integrity Holds You Together’)
Ask, seek, knock… Jesus would love to encounter you in the same way He has encountered so many others. Where you have been dismissed by others for being a ‘doubter’ Jesus offers you His nail scarred hands without rebuke. Where others have ridiculed you for longing to fully understand, Jesus makes a special trip to meet with you personally (as He did for Thomas). Don’t allow the opinions of others, the immaturity of some in the church or the voice of the enemy to keep you from asking your honest questions of the God of love. In fact, I believe it is the Thomases with the most sincere questions that receive the nearness of the Lord like no other. After all, it was ‘doubting Thomas’ who became the first man in Scripture to declare that Jesus was God (vs 28). The biggest doubters become the greatest proclaimers when they bring their questions to Him in sincerity. I believe the same will be true of you as you continue to pursue the Lord today. Selah.
From the Bible:
Be merciful to those who doubt; – Jude 22 NIV
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. – Matthew 7:7 NIV
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:26-28 NIV
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