Thomas

The Chapel West MySpace account blogged about Thomas and the bad rap that he's gotten because of the whole "Doubting Thomas" thingie. Part of what was said.

I have always thought of Thomas as more of a skeptic than a doubter. After all, Thomas did not ask for a special revelation from Jesus. He simply asked for the same proof the other disciples had (see John 20:25). Thomas was the kind of guy who wanted to know for himself. He was his own man. He would not let others do his thinking for him.

But the post-resurrection story about Thomas wasn't the only one about him. There's an appearance earlier in John.

John 11:14-16 (New International Version)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

14So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, 15and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."

16Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

Yes, it's another story in which the dim apostles (but would we have been any better?) completely miss what Jesus is saying. But note how Thomas demonstrates himself in his misinterpretation. Thomas thinks that he is going to his death, but he is ready to do this. He's ready to give up his life for Jesus.

Let's face it - the "ordinary" people that Jesus chose were pretty remarkable.

thomasapostle

Sphere: Related Content