Dismantling Our Doubts Series

That evening in the pool, I dealt with my doubts and it changed me and the way I approach ministry. Those who doubt most, and yet strive to overcome their doubts, turn out to be some of Christ’s strongest disciples. Let’s meet one those disciples this morning by turning in your copy of God’s Word to John 20:24.

Short Bio

We know very little about our subject today, Thomas. We know that the name Thomas was Aramaic and that his nick name was “Didymus.” Both Thomas and Didymus meant “twin.” It is obvious that Thomas was a twin. Now, my wife is a twin and we know that twins are very unique. Have you ever wondered why Jesus picked Thomas and not his brother? We know that Jesus prayed all night before choosing his closest associates (Luke 6:12-16). He was the seventh apostle called, he was a fisherman, and probably knew the other disciples. We know very little about his background, his physical appearance, and the gifts that he brought to this group of rag-tag followers.

One thing that is for certain, only Judas Iscariot has been criticized more. We do know a little bit about his personality. He tended to be pessimistic and emotional. In the deeply spiritual “Winnie the Pooh Personality Test” Thomas scored high on the Eeyore chart. This was a “glass half empty” guy.

He also was prone to ask hard questions and demand proof. For that he has earned the unfortunate nickname, “doubting Thomas.” By the end of this message, I hope to show you from Scripture that his nickname is not only unfair but does not describe the heart of this great disciple.

There are three texts we will cover this morning. The first two, we will take a jog through. The third we will stroll through, learning some valuable lessons along the way. Keep your place in John 20 and turn to John 11:1.

Thomas Was Willing to Die for Christ

Jesus loved people and invested in individuals from a wide range of social, political, and economic standing. One of the families He befriended over the course of His ministry were two sisters, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus. In fact, it was more than friendship. Mary had worshiped at Jesus feet and Martha had learned to relax in His presence. But Lazarus was called “the one you love.” Jesus and Lazarus were close friends.

The news was bad. Lazarus was very ill. But Jesus does curious thing. He delayed going to see his friend for two days. He also said something the disciples could not understand.

“Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." (John 11:5-7)

The disciples did not want to go back to Judea. The wilderness ministry was booming. The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus. There was a bounty on his head. The disciples thought it best not to tempt fate.

"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?" (John 11:8)

Jesus told them that He had to go back. He would not skulk about in the dark but go in broad daylight. He had a mission. He had to give a friend a “wake up call.” This would give the dense disciples another “opportunity to believe.”