Some Bible characters have developed a bit of a bad reputation with time. Jonah is known for his disobedience, Thomas for being a doubter, and Martha for not having her priorities in order.
When it comes to humanity’s shortcomings, we often struggle to see beyond what is staring us right in the face. We can see throughout history though that God usually has a way of gently reminding us of all the complexities that humanity brings.
In studying Thomas, we can quickly conclude that not much is known about this disciple. His call narrative is not given in the gospels, so we do not know the exact reason why or how he was chosen by Jesus.
Thomas has been given the unfortunate nickname “Doubting Thomas” as his statement given in John 20:25 appears to be one of uncertainty and hesitation. Thomas does not immediately and blindly trust that Jesus has risen from the dead. To be truthful, this was quite a remarkable event, and his reaction is understandable. We read in Matthew 26:56 that all the disciples but one fled and were not present for the crucifixion, but surely Thomas had heard the news throughout the town of how Jesus was beaten, tortured, and crucified on the cross. To the observant, calculated mind, the suffering that Jesus endured would surely result in death.
Considering the situation from both perspectives, I don’t believe it to be fair that Thomas should be known only for what we perceive to be doubt. At that moment, when faced with the news of Jesus’ resurrection, we catch a glimpse of the mind of the man known throughout history as being only one thing. In reality, we can learn so much from the above scripture found in John 11:16 about the character of Thomas.
We can read in John 11:16 that Thomas was fully committed and loyal to Jesus as he urged his fellow disciples to follow Jesus even if it meant their deaths. Thomas appears to be devout, loyal, curious, and intelligent.
Rather than only focusing on a “flaw”, I see that Thomas was not afraid to voice his hesitancy and struggles. We can read in John 14:5-6 (Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”) that Thomas was not afraid to ask questions. This seems to me that Thomas felt safe and secure in his relationship with Jesus, knowing full well that Jesus could handle his questioning and curious nature.
Jesus encouraged Thomas to touch his wounds and to see for himself that He was indeed risen from the dead. What a loving God we have. Thomas was not made to feel ashamed for his humanity struggling to comprehend the supernatural but was rather invited to spend a moment with Jesus so that he may believe.
Every one of us is so much more than one quality, one flaw, one mistake, or one opinion. We are shaped by our life experiences and are comprised of many memories, beliefs, qualities, and characteristics. To create margins to show where another human being begins and ends is futile, and quite frankly insulting to the Master Creator.
We are intricate beings, given the capacity for strengths, weakness, morality, and flaws. We must continually pray to have the eyes and heart of Jesus, for He sees the true intents of the heart of His creation.
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