Leadership through Discipleship #11

Thomas, The Power of Faith

It might seem odd to associate “doubting Thomas” with the subject of the power of faith. We tend to examine his lack of belief and use him as a negative example when it comes to the subject of faith. However, Thomas is a chosen disciple, one of the Twelve Apostles. If he struggled with faith and was still a chosen disciple then there is hope for us when we are less than perfect in our belief.

Thomas seems naturally to have a negative temperament. When Jesus received news of the terminal condition of Lazarus, it was Thomas who lamented, “Let’s go die with him.” Perhaps Thomas spoke what some of the other disciples were feeling. Maybe in this way he was like Peter. He spoke out loud what others were thinking but were afraid to say.

On another occasion Jesus was talking about His departure. He suggested that the disciples knew where he was going. Thomas plainly stated, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). If Thomas had not asked the question perhaps we would not have had much of the following discourse of where Jesus was going and His identity of being one with the Father. Sometimes a confession of our doubts or lack of understanding results in greater understanding!

The most famous passages of Thomas contain his confessed unbelief concerning Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. While the other disciples joyously shared their faith after seeing Jesus alive from the grave, Thomas simply could not believe it. He has missed the meeting when Jesus appeared to the disciples and Thomas was unable to accept another’s witness to this miracle. He was emphatic, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

It was another eight days of restless quandary before Thomas had the opportunity to resolve his questions of faith. Again, the disciples were gathered in a closed room. This time Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. It seemed He came just for Thomas’ benefit. He offered His hands and the scar in His side for inspection that Thomas might believe. It sounds like Thomas did not require such a thorough inspection. Just seeing the Lord and hearing His voice brought full faith to this faltering disciple. He boldly exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The doubter became a believer.

Without condemnation Jesus accepted the worship of Thomas but stated, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). The power of faith allows those of us who have not seen Him still believe that He is alive and well!