SKEPTICAL THOMAS: A DOUBTING DISCIPLE

Text:  John 20:19-31.

Purpose:  To try to understand the reason for Thomas' hesitation to believe, and to learn how we should view honest doubts.

Introduction

This story is so familiar, even to non-Bible readers, that the expression "doubting Thomas" has become a part of ordinary language. Below the story's surface, however, lie several interesting possibilities as to why Thomas disbelieved at the first. And, in the process of discovering those reasons, we may also gain profitable understanding about doubts in general.

Most of us have doubts at times; we all encounter others who hesitate to commit themselves to new truth or who are skeptical of it. As we come to know "doubting Thomas" better, we will better learn to appreciate and help others who are like him.

Body

I. Read the text or tell the story.

II. Why did Thomas not believe? Of course, we are not told specifically, but we may guess from other known information.

   A. Perhaps he was influenced by the Sadducees. This sect of the Jews did not believe in angels or a resurrection (Acts 23:6-8). They were the "materialists" of their day, and they held the political power in the antagonistic Jewish establishment opposing Jesus. Even Jews who did not belong to their party might have absorbed some of their skepticism which would come to the surface on an occasion such as this. It is easy for us to assimilate popular error, perhaps without even being aware of it.

   B. Perhaps Thomas was skeptical because he knew so well the other apostles and women who said they had seen the risen Jesus.

        1. Peter had often spoken hastily, and sometimes he had later proved to have been mistaken (Matthew 17:4,5; Mark 8:31-33; Mark 14:29-31).

        2. John had been impetuous and quick to draw opinions (Mark 9:38ff; Luke 9:52-56).

        3. The women had not been believed at first by the other apostles (Luke 24:10,11).

   C. Perhaps Thomas simply had a pessimistic, skeptical disposition.

        1. John 11:16. When Jesus goes to Lazarus' home, Thomas seems to have such an attitude.

        2. John 14:5. Here again Thomas raises questions and seeks confirmation.

   D. Perhaps Thomas was particularly cautious about mistaken identities because he himself was a twin!

        1. Thomas is often called "Didymus," which means "twin" (John 20:24; 21:2; 11:16).

        2. We do not know if he was an identical twin or not. In either case, it is possible that he had been mistaken all his life for someone else, and he knew better than the other apostles to be very careful establishing identity.

III. What we learn from this incident.

   A. Careful faith is not bad, nor honest doubts, if accompanied by a humble openness to God's evidence.

        1. Thomas was not a dishonest unbeliever; he was quick to accept the evidence when presented with it personally, and he then made a wholehearted confession of Christ's living lordship (John 20:27,28).

        2. Many individuals today who appear unbelieving have perhaps never been given personal evidence for faith. Honest hearts that are cautious should not be confused with rebellious and stubborn hearts of unbelief. Doubt is not wrong within itself. Young people, in particular, raise many questions about faith, and they should be given clear and convincing answers in kindness and love.

   B. Eyesight, sensory evidence does not guarantee true and saving faith in Jesus.

        1. Others who saw did not believe, for their hearts were hardened (John 12:37).

        2. Faith is in part a matter for the "will," as well as for the "intellect." Men have a moral interest in not believing, for Jesus convicts of sin. Mere physical evidence does not insure acceptance, for while God gives faith, He does not force it.

   C. Thomas' hesitant faith gave God opportunity to strengthen ours.

        1. The incident was recorded for the benefit of those who, like us, did not see personally what Thomas saw. Because of his experience, we can believe unto life eternal (see 20:29-31).

        2. The Gospel of John is a selective record of some evidence; much more could have been given (21:25).

Conclusion

In the end, "doubting" Thomas became "confessing" Thomas. Whatever the reason for his initial skepticism, it melted before the evidence, into humble acknowledgement of Christ as personal God and Lord. Let us have such an openness to truth, and let us be patient with the doubts of others, that we may all come to greater and deeper faith in the Son of the Living God, and in Him enjoy life eternal.

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