Day 30

John 20-21

“Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.” John 20:24 ESV

I feel so bad for Thomas and what he is remembered for. Perhaps, a lot of his reputation has to do with a lack of Biblical literacy as well as a lack of appreciation for church history. 

First of all, Thomas doesn’t even have a real name. The scriptures say, “Thomas, called twin (didymos),” but in Aramaic “tĕʾomâ” (Thomas) is just a description, not a name. A literal translation would sound like “The twin, called the twin.” 

Secondly, this one moment of skepticism seems to be all that Thomas is remembered for. Imagine leaving everything and committing three years of your life to following Jesus. Sure, during those years you have your ups and downs, but your commitment remains steadfast. Then after this Jesus died, you have a moment of vulnerability and doubt. Although all of the other disciples doubted also (Luke 24:9-11), you’re the only one remembered for doubting.

Lastly, we forget that Thomas had some highlights also! When Jesus learned about His friend Lazarus, He told His disciples that they should return to Judea. The disciples respond, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” (John 11:8) At the end of this dialogue, Thomas speaks up. 

“So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’” John 11:16 ESV

Thomas was ready to die with Jesus, but he wasn’t ready for Jesus to die. Perhaps, Thomas was actually one of the more courageous, zealous disciples. If you study church history, it is said that Thomas later becomes a missionary to India, where he eventually dies as a martyr for his faith. 

Your doubts don’t define who you are. The enemy specializes in helping you remember your lowest moments of faith. Jesus, however, looks past your doubts and says, “Here, touch my hands that you may believe.”

Did you enjoy this devotional? For more from the inScribed.church team subscribe here…