The Gospel for Doubters, Good News Through the Eyes of ThomasSýnishorn

The second time we hear Thomas speak—again, with the same thoughtful, careful precision and inquiry—is during Jesus’ discourse in the upper room on the night in which He would be betrayed, arrested, and marched to the cross. They were sharing a Passover meal, leaning in close to hear the Master share His last words. Jesus had dismissed Judas and was sharing about both His pending death and resurrection and His plan to leave the disciples and send the Spirit of God. A new movement was afoot and these 11 men would be the foundation of the church.

It was overwhelming news. Thomas and the others had given up all they had to walk with Jesus for three years. They’d grown close to Him. He was their rabbi, their teacher, their Master, but most importantly, their friend. He’d washed their feet. He’d shared countless meals with them. They’d laughed and argued and cried together. They had listened to Him weave stories about what the kingdom of God is like, stories about how the lost can be found. Jesus had empowered them to do things beyond their capacity and human ability: to cast out demons, to heal the sick, and to preach and teach about the coming kingdom of God.

Now Jesus was telling them that this was coming to an end. Jesus’ enemies, the religious leaders who refused to see and acknowledge His divinity, were closing in. And Jesus wouldn’t summon the forces of heaven to defend Himself. Instead, He’d submit to the Father’s will—and die. And just as the world hated Jesus, they would also hate the disciples and everyone who would dare call Jesus Lord.

Yet Jesus offered words of comfort and assurance. “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). They did believe in God. And they did believe in Jesus. Peter had spoken for the others when he declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16–18), and when he expressed their utter dependence on Jesus: “To whom will we go?” (John 6:68).

But what did believing in Jesus mean? They, unlike us, didn’t have the full written canon of God’s Word. They couldn’t thumb through the gospels and didn’t yet have an Easter to celebrate. “If I go away and prepare a place for you,” Jesus said, “I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going” (John 14:3–4).

Discussion question: How does Thomas’ question reveal his character and personality?