Thomas was an apostle of Jesus (Mark 3:13-19). He was a fisherman by trade (John 21:1-3). He probably had a twin sibling (John 11:16). He expressed a willingness to die for the Lord (John 11:16).
Thomas did many wonderful things in the service of God. And yet, the main thing he is remembered for is the occasion when he doubted the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:19-29).
Do you ever have doubts? You ever had doubts about Genesis 1:1? You ever had doubts about 2 Timothy 3:16? You ever had doubts about John 14:6? The Apostle Thomas teaches us many important lessons about how to deal with our doubts properly.
Sometimes we will have doubts.
- Thomas wasn’t the only apostle who doubted the resurrection of Jesus. All of the apostles initially doubted this event (Luke 24:10-11).
- We shouldn’t be shocked when battling doubts; the very apostles also fought them!
- Having doubts is not a sin. The Lord never charges Thomas with sin for having doubts. If He rebukes him, it is a mild one at best.
We need to work through our doubts.
- Thomas should be commended for not seeking blind faith. He was someone who wanted his faith to be founded upon sufficient evidence. Jesus gives Him the evidence he seeks (John 20:26-28).
- Every disciple has been given sufficient evidence for their faith in Christ (John 20:28-31; 2 Corinthians 5:7).
- The Lord doesn’t call people to follow Him blindly (John 10:37-38).
- When we have doubts, the Lord wants us to ask the tough questions, investigate the right answers, and go wherever the truth leads.
Doubts that are investigated can lead to genuine and authentic discipleship.
- Genuine and authentic discipleship is something we should all strive to attain. It is what we should want our children to achieve.
- Whenever our children come to us with doubts, we don’t need to blast or be angry with them. Instead, we need to listen and help them work their way through those doubts.
- That is what the Lord did for Thomas!
Conclusion:
The outcome for authentic faith is eternal life (John 20:30-31).
