THOMAS: FIDUCIAL FOLLOWER
JOHN 14:1-7
#ApostleThomas
INTRODUCTION… Famous Thomas-es
I don’t know if you realize it or not, but if you name your kid Thomas, there is a better than average chance he or she will become famous. There are lots of famous Thomas-es out there! Not only can you be famous for having Thomas as a first name but you can be famous for having Thomas as a last name.
Thomas Jefferson: 3rd U.S. President, principal author of the Declaration of Independence
Saint Thomas More: English lawyer, statesman, and Catholic martyr
Thomas Edison: super good stealer of ideas and “inventor” of the electric light bulb
Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Tom Hardy, Tom Holland, and Tom Selleck: actors all
Tom Brady: GOAT NFL quarterback with 7 Super Bowl wins
Tom Watson: Pro golfer, winner of 8 major championships
Tom Clancy: Author of military and espionage thrillers, such as ‘The Hunt for Red October.’
Thomas the Tank Engine needs no explanation
Tom Sawyer: the Mark Twain character
Tommy Pickles: the baby from ‘Rugrats’
Clarence Thomas: U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Dave Thomas: Founder of Wendy’s
Last week we started a three-week series on the Apostle Thomas who is the most famous Thomas in all the Bible. He happens to be the only Thomas in the Bible, but nevertheless, he remains the most famous Thomas in the Bible. Today we are continuing a three-week series on the Apostle Thomas. Most of the time all we know about Thomas is that he was an apostle of Jesus that doubted. “Doubting Thomas” is famous for one thing and one thing only. I think there is more to him than that. This three-week series is going to focus on the three passages in which we find the Apostle Thomas speaking.
John 11:1-17 (last week)
John 14:1-7 (this week)
John 20:24-29 (next week)
LAST WEEK REVIEW / CONTEXT / TRANSITION
Last week we looked at John 11 where Jesus, Thomas, and the other disciples were under foreboding pressure because of the division, accusations, danger, threat of arrest, and plans of execution. They were heading back south towards Jerusalem where death awaited Jesus. And… this was not fanciful thinking, but Jesus went there and He did in fact die one week later. Amid all that pressure, Thomas makes a statement that clues us into his character and his commitment to Christ: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
Today we are in John 14 which happens in the Upper Room as Jesus is having the Last Supper with His disciples before He is arrested. Jesus has washed the disciple’s feet showing them how to serve one another (John 13:1-20). Jesus predicts that one of the twelve will betray Him which did in fact happen (John 13:21-30). Jesus gives them a new command which is a summary of all He has taught them for three years:
READ JOHN 13:34-35 (ESV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus then shares with Simon Peter than he is not “all that and a bag of chips” like he thinks he is and that he will deny Jesus three times very soon (John 13:36-38). His arrest is just a few hours away. He dies the next day. John chapter 14 begins with Jesus Christ continuing to encourage and teach His disciples about all that will take place. Let’s read from John 14:1-7 and then we will focus specifically on verses 5-6.
READ JOHN 14:1-7 (ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”
The verses in the above passage are some of the most significant words spoken by Jesus Christ recorded for us in the Gospels. His answer, in context, is to Thomas who had honest questions about what Jesus was saying and what He was predicting He would do and where He would go. Jesus’ answer, in context, also gives believers and not-yet believers alike an anchor and polar star to rely upon.
Last week we talked about the ten-word statement of Thomas, but this week we will focus on the fifteen-word question of Thomas. I think Thomas's question in John 14:5 reveals the disciples’ confusion about Jesus’ mission and destination. Thomas’ confusion sets up Jesus’ profound theological statement in John 14:6.
VERSE 5: ASTUTE QUESTION OF THOMAS
RE-READ JOHN 14:5 (ESV)
“Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”
There is confusion here, not doubt.
There is the willingness to ask questions, not doubt.
There is the desire to understand, not doubt.
We learn something very important about Thomas in verse 5 as we look over his question that will also come into play next week as we look at John 20:24-29. Thomas is a concrete thinker. Thomas is someone who perhaps struggles with nuance and metaphor. I am sure he absolutely was frustrated when Jesus started their day with, “let Me tell you a parable.”
Just tell me Jesus… do I cut my hand off or not!?
Just tell me Jesus… does the camel actually go through the eye of a needle or not?!
Just tell me Jesus… at Judgment Day will all people be transformed into sheep and goats?!
A concrete thinker is a person who likes literal, physical, and tangible information. It involves understanding things as they are, but not necessarily interpreting deeper meanings, abstractions, or symbolism. A concrete thinker focus on facts and observable details, sometimes has difficulty with abstract concepts like metaphors, and prefers clear, direct, and practical information.
For example, if someone says, "It's raining cats and dogs," a concrete thinker might look outside to see animals, rather than understanding it as a metaphor for heavy rain. Experience teaches us this is a metaphor, but sometimes such things are hard to learn.
For example, concrete thinking explains John 3:3-4:
READ JOHN 3:3-4 (ESV)
“Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”
For example, concrete thinking explains John 4:13-15:
READ JOHN 4:13-15 (ESV)
“Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
For example (a little hint for next week), being a concrete thinker may make John 20:25 make a little more sense:
READ JOHN 20:25 (ESV)
“So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.”
Concrete thinking would lead someone like the Apostle Thomas to take Jesus’ words about “going” and “the way” as physical travel, not as spiritual or theological ideas. Thomas knows that Jesus’ destination was Jerusalem so he is not sure what the plan is after that. This provides Jesus with an opportunity to clarify His identity and mission.
What does Thomas ask Jesus? What words does he use?
Thomas addresses Jesus as “Lord.” I think Thomas calls Jesus “Lord” because He believed in Jesus’ divine authority. There is a lot of weight in that word.
Thomas says specifically “we do not know.” It think it is important to note that in the original language, there is no doubt or fear in the question, but just ignorance. Thomas just doesn’t understand. He does not know where Jesus thinks He is going.
Thomas says specifically, “where you are going." The words Thomas uses here are concrete words meaning “to go away” or “depart.” Thomas thought Jesus was talking about one foot in front of the other travel. Again, there is confusion in Thomas’ mind, but not doubt.
The next phrase in his question is the most important. He finishes his question with "how can we know the way.” I want you to notice what is implied in Thomas’ question. If I am honest, it is the same exact sentiment Thomas said in John 11. It is absolutely Thomas’ assumption and desire that if Jesus is going somewhere, Thomas is going with Him.
Thomas isn’t asking: “Are You really going somewhere?”
Thomas isn’t asking: “Can we get where You want to go?”
Thomas isn’t asking: “Jesus will perform a miracle and get us out of this.”
Thomas asked: “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”
Thomas is asking: “Where are You going?”
Thomas is asking: “How can I follow You?”
Thomas is asking: “When do we leave?”
TRANSITION
Thomas’ confusion sets up Jesus’ profound theological statement in John 14:6.
VERSE 6: MEANINGFUL ANSWER OF JESUS
RE-READ JOHN 14:6 (ESV)
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 14:6 is a verse which places Jesus Christ as the focus of belief, faith conversations, and practical life. It is possible and important for those searching through the Scriptures to keep John 14:6 in mind.
Jesus says, “The way, the truth, and the life.” This a key theological phrase.
Normal Christian belief teaches that Jesus Christ reveals the true nature of God to us and these verses describe that He is the only way to God the Father.? All other methods of living lead to death and keep us away from the Father. This is the separation of sin.
We all must conform to Him and His way.
We all must be renewed into that way of doing life which is realized by the truth.
We all must be empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life.
A key component of this is that none of this can be found in our own human nature.? Our self (our sinful self) conforms to the nature of the world rather than God. We do our own thing and we need to be shown the way, the truth, and what life really is about.
The way we do things leads to corruption such as:
Unforgiveness
Stealing
Idolatry
Lust
Anger
Selfishness
The way God does things leads to the fruit of the Spirit such as:
Forgiveness
Selflessness
Love
Peace and Patience
Joy
Holiness
The human person that is faithful to the way of faith and living the truth Jesus Christ describes will have real life. Jesus Christ reveals Himself to those that lovingly obey Him. Jesus had revealed Himself to His disciples, Thomas included, so they believed in Him. They believed in Him wholeheartedly. We should take note of 1 John 1:1-3 which describes what the Apostles believed about Jesus Christ. It was written by the Apostle John, but I see the Apostle Thomas in the “we” in the verses:
READ 1 JOHN 1:1-3 (ESV)
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
TRANSITION
So now we need to connect verse 5 and verse 6.
APPLICATION / SUMMARY: FIDUCIAL FOLLOWER
Jesus is in the Upper Room with His disciples and says something very profound, theological, and meaningful for their souls at a dinner that was perhaps more meaningful than any of them could handle at that moment. He says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
One of them, Thomas, voiced his question, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going so how can we know the way?” He was never a man to just take things at face value. He was committed to Jesus and wanted to follow wherever Jesus was headed.
He knew that Jesus did not mind their questions. He just didn’t quite get it at first. How does this fit with what Jesus has told us before? How can I know the way to somewhere, but I don’t know where that somewhere is? He racked his brain, but decided just to ask Jesus. This was truly valuable for Thomas and the other disciples. Questions often bring valuable answers to strengthen our faith.
Jesus responded to Thomas and the others that He was the answer to all their questions. He came so they would be able to reach God and be with Him. I feel like Thomas’ question was asked and answered. I think he understood Jesus’ words and placed even more faith in Him. Life in Jesus was the key to it all. Jesus would make the path to God and all he need do is follow Jesus.
He did know the way. Jesus.
He did know the place. A relationship with God.
At the end of John 14, we see Thomas being a fiducial follower. I think I made up that term so don’t feel like you know what it means. A fiducial follower refers to someone who follows Christ with faithful trust. The term “fiducial” comes from the Latin fiducia, meaning trust or confidence. It is all about faithful faith. Consistent faithfulness.
A "fiducial follower" is someone, like Thomas, who trusts in God’s promises. They have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This means the person relies not just on external practices of faith or intellectual belief in their mind, but combines all of that into a personal heart-trust in God. A fiducial follower of Christ has personal trust in God enabled by Jesus lived out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This leads us to the inevitable question: Is that you?
* Do you trust in God’s character?
* Do you trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance?
* Do you rely on grace or moral effort?
* Are you loyal to Jesus in your heart not merely on the outside?
CONCLUSION… Blondin and the Wheelbarrow
There was once a famous tightrope walker named Charles Blondin, who in the 1800s amazed crowds by walking across a tightrope stretched over Niagara Falls. Thousands gathered to watch as he performed incredible feats: crossing blindfolded, on stilts, and even cooking an omelet mid-way.
One day, Blondin pushed a wheelbarrow across the tightrope.
The crowd roared in amazement.
He then pointed to a man in the crowd and asked, “Do you believe I can push this wheelbarrow across the tightrope again?” The man shouted, “Yes! I believe you can!”
Blondin replied, “Good. Then get in the wheelbarrow.”
The man refused.
You see that is the difference between “belief” like many of us and fiducial faith like Thomas. The man believed Blondin could do it for he had intellectual assent. He didn’t have trust for he wasn’t willing to entrust himself on the tightrope.
Many people believe in Jesus the way the man believed in Blondin. They cheer, they agree, and they show up, but followers like Thomas get in the wheelbarrow. Followers like Thomas entrust their whole lives, hearts, and futures to Christ.
Let that be our call and challenge today:
Don’t just believe about Jesus.
Trust in Him.
Be a fiducial follower like Thomas; the kind who gets in the wheelbarrow.
READ Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
PRAYER
INVITATION
RE-READ JOHN 14:6 (ESV)
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Object Needed: A map or GPS app on your phone, and a blindfold
[Hold up the map or phone]
Have you ever gone somewhere new—maybe a trip with your family—and needed a map or a GPS to find your way? What happens if you don’t know where you’re going? You can get lost, right?
Well, today in our sermon, one of Jesus’ friends, Thomas, was confused. Jesus said He was going away to prepare a place for His friends—and Thomas wanted to go with Him! But Thomas didn’t understand where Jesus was going. So, do you know what he did? He asked a question!
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”
Was it okay for Thomas to ask Jesus a question? (Let them respond: Yes!)
Of course! Thomas wasn’t being bad—he just really wanted to understand. And Jesus wasn’t upset. In fact, Jesus gave one of the most important answers ever. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
That means if we want to be close to God, if we want to live the way we were made to live, and if we want to get to heaven— we follow Jesus.
[Put on the blindfold]
I just put this blindfold on. What if I tried to walk around? Would that be smart?
Probably not! I might bump into something.
I need someone to guide me—someone I can trust!
[Take off the blindfold]
That’s kind of what Jesus does for us. He sees where we’re going, even when we don’t. He is the way. He shows us how to love others, how to be kind, how to forgive, and how to have courage. Like Thomas, we can ask questions—but we can also trust Jesus to lead us.
Even if we don’t understand everything, we can trust Jesus—because He is the way.
PRAYER
