Thomas

<<one of the original 12 disciples>>

He is often referred to as ‘doubting Thomas’ as he did not accept the testimony of the other disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. However, prior to seeing Jesus they also didn’t believe He had risen (Mk 16:10,11,13; Jn 20:20,26,27). His story is told in the Gospels and he lived in the early part of the NT period. 

Lessons from his life: * Thomas didn’t blindly accept the words of others that Jesus had risen as he wanted real proof to satisfy his honest doubts. He voiced his apprehension, yet when confronted with the proof that Jesus was alive and well he believed and made a positive confession. His doubt was only a response to a particular situation, not a regular way of life.  Jesus did not condemn him for his disbelief but reached out to him, making a point of confronting and putting an end to the doubt, so his belief could be genuine. However Jesus also said, “Blessed are those who have not seen yet believe” (Jn 20:29).   Any doubts or reservations we have should be challenged with the truth and reality, so they don’t become firmly held, yet wrong beliefs.  Do I continue to doubt and have negative thoughts after being shown the facts or do I openly express my confidence and belief?

* Our beliefs should be grounded in solid facts and reality, first-hand experiences, or those of trustworthy characters, not second-hand and incomplete information or gossip (Lk 1:1-4; Jn 19:35). What better thing to base our beliefs on than the Word of God? If there is any apparent discrepancy, we are to believe His Word, not the sin-blighted words of others, or the wrong mental messages we have accepted into our minds.

See also: disciples of Jesus, doubts, evidence, proof, truth.