A. WHO WAS THOMAS
1. Thomas was listed both 7th and 8th among disciples (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16).
THOMAS – THREE NICKNAMES
• Had a twin brother. Didymas means ditto, or duplicate, i.e., perhaps an identical twin (John 20:24).
• Was from the tribe of Judah, or that was his father’s name, i.e., Judas, Thomas, Didymas.
• Identified by his weakness, “Thomas the doubter” (John 20:25).
2. First mention – first doubts. “Let us also go that we may die with him (Lazarus)” (John 11:16).
• What doubters do – they always see the negative, not the positive.
• Their first reaction is pessimistic.
• Are they realists?
• Who taught them to be negative?
3. Second mention – questioned Jesus’ statement about heaven. “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:3). Thomas replied, “No, we don’t know … we have no idea where You are going” (John 14:5).
4. Third, Thomas’ absence speaks volumes. On Sunday evening the day Jesus arose from the dead, Thomas was missing. “One of the twelve disciples, Thomas … was not with the others when Jesus came” (John 20:24, NLT).
• Why – Thomas ran further away, because he doubted his future.
• Out of touch, because he didn’t want to be involved.
5. Fourth, skeptical. “I won’t believe unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my fingers in them, and place my hand in His side (John 20:25, NLT). A skeptic has made up their mind to not believe.
B. DOES DOUBT MAKE A PERSON IMPERFECT?
1. The day of resurrection ten disciples in Upper Room (John 20:19-24). “One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, nickname; the twin, was not with them” (20:24).
2. Thomas was told by a reliable witness, “They told him, we have seen the Lord” (John 26:24).
3. Disciples told Thomas their proof. “He (Jesus) showed them (ten disciples) His hands, and His side” (John 20:20, NLT). Thomas could not believe them. A doubter makes decisions – not on intellect or emotions – but on their inner negative nature.
C. TWO WEEKS AFTER JESUS RESURRECTION
1. The next Sunday, Thomas was present. “Eight days later … Thomas was with them ... Jesus was standing among them” (John 20:26).
2. Jesus knows our unbelief and targets it. “Put your finger ... put your hand … don’t be faithless … believe” (20:27).
3. Thomas makes highest expression of faith and loyalty. “My Lord and my God” (20:28). Identified using Old Testament expressions of faith: God = Elohim, i.e., Creator, Lord = Jehovah, “the I am, I am.”
D. TO TAKE AWAY
1. Recognize your doubts. “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9;24).
2. Pray for faith to overcome doubts. “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
3. Listen to Jesus’ promise to overcome unbelief. A father brought his needy son to Jesus saying, “If thou canst do anything … help us if you can” (Mark 9:22). Jesus’ response, “What do you mean, if I can” (Mark 9:23, NLT).
4. Follow Jesus’ instruction. Jesus declared, “Anything is possible if a person believes” (Mark 9:23).
• Faith is confidence and assurance about/from God (Hebrews 11:1).
• Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Only a small amount of faith is necessary (Luke 17:6)
• Faith puts us in a right relationship to God (Romans 5:1).
• Find faith in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
• Faith leads to obedience to God (Hebrews 11:7-12).
5. The real issue of faith is believing and acting what you know about Jesus. “Jesus was standing among them … he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger ... put your hand ... don’t be faithless … believe’” (John 20:27, NLT).
6. Faith leads to correct understanding of Jesus. “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Thomas first acknowledged the physical presence of Jesus, then he acknowledged His deity, i.e., the God-Man.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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