[Ninety-Second in a series of posts on Bible Stories]
Encore Post:
St. Thomas was practical and down-to-earth. Called “the Twin,” he spoke few words, but always directly. When Jesus was determined to go to Lazarus’ tomb, not five miles from Jerusalem, Thomas said, “Let us also go and die with Him.” When Jesus told the disciples at the Lord’s Supper that He was going to prepare a place for them, he asked, “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?”
Subtle Thomas was not. Loyal and strong, he was. When Jesus was crucified, Thomas had no doubt the Lord was dead. He knew every detail. He did not want it to be that way, but he was a realist. Jesus was gone; end of story. So when the other disciples told Thomas with joy, “We have seen the Lord!” Thomas would have none of it. He had to see the wounds that marked Jesus in a living man to believe. Even seeing would not be enough. He had to touch the wounds. On something as important as the Lord’s life, Thomas would not be fooled.
All of this changed when Jesus appeared to him and the rest of the disciples on the Sunday after Easter. The doors were locked, and suddenly Jesus was with them. Jesus said, “Shalom,” or “Peace be with you all.” This greeting, even though it is the Hebrew version of “Hello,” had special meaning for the disciples. Jesus was telling them everything was all right. Turning to Thomas, He invited His hard-headed disciple to see for himself. “Stop doubting and believe,” Jesus said.
This was all Thomas needed. He dropped to his knees and worshiped Jesus. His confession has echoed through the centuries: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas not only confessed that Jesus was alive again. He confessed that Jesus was truly God in human flesh. Jesus mildly rebuked him and then blessed us. “You have seen and believed,” Jesus said. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
And so it is. Later, St. Peter praised God for all He has done for us and wrote to Christians who had never seen Jesus with their own eyes: “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” Why? Because we know we are receiving what our faith really seeks, the salvation of our souls.
In the end, this faith, which Jesus gave to Thomas, a faith that would send the Apostle to India to establish the Church there, is itself a gift from God. It comes through His Word and Sacraments. “These are written,” St. John tells us, “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Blessed are we indeed to hear and say:
He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Originally posted at What Does This Mean? Blog: https://whatdoesthismean.blog
The posts in the blog What Does This Mean? are now available at What Does This Mean? | Rev. Robert E. Smith | Substack
Rev. Robert E. Smith
Pastor Emeritus
Fort Wayne, Indiana
©2021-2026 Robert E. Smith. All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy, share, and display freely for non-commercial purposes. Direct all other rights and permissions inquiries to cosmithb@msn.com
I have often thought it was unfair that the Doubting Thomas moniker was put on Thomas. In dubious times he asked for proof. Jesus graciously gave him that proof and according to scripture Thomas was the first to makes the declaration, “My Lord and my God.” It is Thomas’ eyewitness testimony that enables us to believe.
Please keep sending things to read thank you.
Thomas’s practical stance—especially his “Let us also go and die with Him” remark—really highlights his commitment. It makes me wonder how his faith influenced his actions.