A different take on the Doubting Thomas story

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Autumn_Smoke

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As I listened to the ‘‘Doubting Thomas’’ story this morning at mass, I was struck by something different–not by Thomas’ unbelief, or by Jesus’ words to Thomas, which are usually the main focus, but by Jesus’ love for each individual.

Jesus had appeared to the disciples gathered together in His name just 8 days previously, but Thomas wasn’t there. And we all know what Thomas said to the other disciples.

So 8 days later, when Thomas was with the gathered disciples, Jesus re-appeared. He came back just for Thomas! And he addressed himself just to Thomas! It struck me that this story shows so beautifully God’s love for each individual. He loves each one of us–not just collectively, but individually, and he would go out of his way…yes…just for me…and just for you too!
 
I think Jesus was addressing US, 2000 years later, we cannot share the direct evidence, we cannot put our fingers in the nail holes, we must base our belief on faith. To quote the most important line in this gospel (IMHO):

…Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

…or will believe in the far future. Jesus KNEW his name would be remembered forever!

And yes, I like Autumns description as well!
 
I’ve always said Thomas gets a bad rap.

A week ago, Mary came to the apostles in the upper room and announced the resurrection of Jesus. Did they believe her? Did Peter, his right hand man? Did John, the disciple whom he loved?

NooooOOOOOoooOOooooOOOooooo… They ran to the tomb to see for themselves. But do they get remembered as *Doubting Peter *and Doubting John?

Bah.

😉
😛
tee
 
The story of doubting Thomas is one of my favourites because it offers all of us hope. Thomas was there, he knew Jesus in the flesh and heard the gospel message from Jesus, yet like all of the apostles, he had his moments of failure which Jesus turned into a blessing for generations. I love that Jesus mentions us in his response and this story is one that gives me confidence when the rare shocking thought of disbelief hits. I know that it isn’t from me because there is clear evidence of it being a lie.

Strange how it is the failings of the apostles that seems to inspire us so much. I guess that God knew that so many of us would need to see how Jesus dealt with those around Him who were so fallible i.e. He never abandoned them.
 
Avila123 said:
The story of doubting Thomas is one of my favourites because it offers all of us hope. Thomas was there, he knew Jesus in the flesh and heard the gospel message from Jesus, yet like all of the apostles, he had his moments of failure which Jesus turned into a blessing for generations. I love that Jesus mentions us in his response and this story is one that gives me confidence when the rare shocking thought of disbelief hits. I know that it isn’t from me because there is clear evidence of it being a lie.

Strange how it is the failings of the apostles that seems to inspire us so much. I guess that God knew that so many of us would need to see how Jesus dealt with those around Him who were so fallible i.e. He never abandoned them.
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Amen to this.

Just think, these twelve good old boys have been the closest companions of Jesus for almost three years. They saw and lived through his miracles. They love and admire him. Yet they all hit the road (save for John) when it’s crunch time. No humans ever experienced another’s absolute death followed by his resurrection three days later. In spite of Him telling them often, they still didn’t comprehend “rising from the dead.” Of course they needed to see for themselves. We would be no different. We’re all human, and Missourians know what I’m saying.

Thank the Lord that He is divine. He did not abandon us.
 
tee_eff_em said:
I’ve always said Thomas gets a bad rap.

A week ago, Mary came to the apostles in the upper room and announced the resurrection of Jesus. Did they believe her? Did Peter, his right hand man? Did John, the disciple whom he loved?

NooooOOOOOoooOOooooOOOooooo… They ran to the tomb to see for themselves. But do they get remembered as *Doubting Peter *and Doubting John?

Bah.

😉
😛
tee
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John saw the burial clothing and believed, and as for Peter, Jesus appeared to him later.
 
James248 said:
John saw the burial clothing and believed, and as for Peter, Jesus appeared to him later.
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Yes, John believed what was told him from Mary Magdalene, that the body of Jesus was taken away, not that he was risen from the dead. John says so EXPLICITLY in the very next verse! (John 20: 9)
 
tee_eff_em said:
I’ve always said Thomas gets a bad rap.

A week ago, Mary came to the apostles in the upper room and announced the resurrection of Jesus. Did they believe her? Did Peter, his right hand man? Did John, the disciple whom he loved?

NooooOOOOOoooOOooooOOOooooo… They ran to the tomb to see for themselves. But do they get remembered as *Doubting Peter *and Doubting John?

Bah.

😉
😛
Click to expand...
Ahh… but the difference is that they hoped. They, too, didn’t believe until they saw – and even then, all they saw was an empty tomb – but they ran, in hopeful, uncomprehending disbelief. That’s kind of a far cry from “I refuse to consider your story until I physically touch His body.” 🤷

Mark even tells us that Jesus rebuked the apostles for their disbelief, so it’s not like they got off scot-free. Would you rather that the world calls you “Doubting Tee”, or that Jesus scolds you to your face for doubting…? 😉
 
AmbroseSJ said:
Yes, John believed what was told him from Mary Magdalene, that the body of Jesus was taken away, not that he was risen from the dead. John says so EXPLICITLY in the very next verse! (John 20: 9)
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He saw the burial clothing. That was enough to convince him Jesus had risen.
 
I don’t know of any Christian who looks on Thomas in a negative way.

His reaction is quite understandable and his reply ‘My Lord and my God’ is a strong affirmation and acknowledgement of the person of Jesus.
 
If I could add my own two cents to this thread, I think Thomas might also have been a bit hurt by this, too. He wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared to them. Did Jesus know that Thomas wasn’t there? Thomas might have felt as though he had been excluded since Jesus elected to reveal himself when he was absent. Might this also have influenced how he reacted? I wouldn’t blame him if it influenced
 
Personally, I don’t like the term “doubting Thomas”. I don’t believe the story is recording to bring us to that understanding of Thomas. I named my first-born son Thomas after disciple Thomas, after Apostle Thomas, after martyr Thomas, after St Thomas, not because of his doubt, but because of his faith.
 
The first part of the Doubting Thoma story involves 10 of the 11 Apostles. Why only 10. According to Jewish belief, 10 men were necessary for any religious observance. In this case, it was probably the Shiva which celebrates the end of the mourning period. Thomas was probably not included because he did not get there in time.
 
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