Character Study Of Thomas Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF THOMAS (DIDYMUS) – THE DOUBTING DISCIPLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 20:24-29

"Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’"

Supporting Texts: John 11:16, John 14:5, Matthew 10:3, Luke 6:15

INTRODUCTION:

Thomas, also called Didymus (meaning "twin"), was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. He is often remembered for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw Him with his own eyes. However, Thomas was also deeply loyal to Jesus and showed courage in following Him. His story teaches us about faith, doubt, and the grace of Jesus in revealing Himself to those who struggle with belief.

1. THOMAS WAS ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

a) He was personally chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:3)

He was among the twelve disciples Jesus called.

b) He walked with Jesus throughout His ministry (Luke 6:15)

He witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings.

c) He was committed to following Jesus (John 11:16)

He was willing to die with Him.

d) He was inquisitive and wanted to understand Jesus’ teachings (John 14:5)

He asked questions that led to deeper revelations.

e) Biblical Example: The other apostles, like Peter and John, were also personally chosen by Jesus (Mark 3:13-19).

2. THOMAS WAS A COURAGEOUS DISCIPLE

a) He was willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16)

When Jesus wanted to go to Judea, where the Jews wanted to kill Him, Thomas said, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

b) He did not easily abandon his Master (John 14:5)

He stayed with Jesus despite growing opposition.

c) His courage showed strong loyalty (Matthew 10:3)

He remained a disciple even when others doubted.

d) Even in doubt, he stayed connected to the disciples (John 20:26)

He was with them when Jesus appeared again.

e) Biblical Example: Peter also showed courage when he walked on water, though he later doubted (Matthew 14:28-31).

3. THOMAS STRUGGLED WITH DOUBT

a) He refused to believe Jesus had risen until he saw proof (John 20:24-25)

His demand for evidence earned him the title "Doubting Thomas."

b) He relied on physical sight rather than faith (John 20:25)

He wanted to touch Jesus’ wounds before believing.

c) Jesus rebuked him for his unbelief (John 20:27)

Jesus told him to stop doubting and believe.

d) His doubt led to a powerful revelation (John 20:28)

He made the great confession, "My Lord and my God!"

e) Biblical Example: Gideon also struggled with doubt and asked for signs from God (Judges 6:36-40).

4. THOMAS MADE A STRONG CONFESSION OF FAITH

a) He declared Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

His statement confirmed Jesus’ divinity.

b) His doubt turned into strong belief (John 20:29)

Jesus blessed those who believe without seeing.

c) He grew in faith and carried the Gospel to others (Church tradition)

He later became a bold missionary.

d) His story teaches that Jesus is patient with those who struggle with faith (John 20:27)

Jesus met him at his level of belief.

e) Biblical Example: Paul also had a radical transformation from doubt to faith (Acts 9:1-20).

5. THOMAS' LATER MINISTRY AND LEGACY

a) He was among the disciples after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:13)

He remained faithful after Pentecost.

b) He became a missionary (Church history)

Tradition says he took the Gospel to India.

c) He is believed to have died a martyr (Church history)

He was reportedly killed for his faith.

d) His name is still remembered today (John 20:24-29)

His story encourages those who struggle with doubt.

e) Biblical Example: Other disciples like James and Peter also suffered martyrdom for their faith (Acts 12:2).

STRENGTHS OF THOMAS

a) He was deeply loyal to Jesus (John 11:16)

He was willing to follow Jesus to death.

b) He was not afraid to ask difficult questions (John 14:5)

His inquiries led to greater revelations.

c) His doubt led to a powerful confession of faith (John 20:28)

He recognised Jesus as Lord and God.

d) He remained with the other disciples even in his doubt (John 20:26)

He did not isolate himself.

e) He took the Gospel to other nations (Church history)

He fulfilled the Great Commission.

WEAKNESSES OF THOMAS

a) He struggled with doubt (John 20:24-25)

He refused to believe without physical proof.

b) He relied too much on physical evidence (John 20:25)

He needed to see and touch to believe.

c) He was slow to believe in Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:27)

Even with the testimonies of others, he hesitated.

d) His doubt could have discouraged others (John 20:24-25)

His response may have influenced weaker believers.