Thomas: From Incredulity to Worship
Thomas the disciple is remembered for his ‘doubting’. This might seem a harsh judgement: a closer look at the story reveals more subtlety.
The Incredulity of St Thomas, Caravaggio (Wikipedia Commons)
It has always seemed unfair to label him Doubting Thomas. One moment of incredulity defined him for all posterity - yet perhaps Thomas was more a courageous realist?
When he heard that Lazarus was critically ill, Jesus announced that he and his disciples would go and visit, even though Bethany was on the outskirts of Jerusalem, the heartland of his opponents. It was Thomas who said, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’
That gritty realism is the background to the more familiar story of Thomas needing proof of the resurrection - he was not content with hearsay.
Find today’s story as told in the gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19 - 29.
John doesn’t tell us Thomas touched Jesus, even though Jesus invites him to probe for himself.
Look at the painting by Caravaggio. It is almost humorous. Is Thomas saying, ‘Oh, it’s a real wound!’, as two other disciples lean over to check for themselves?
Notice in the story that Jesus doesn’t chastise Thomas. In love and transforming humility, he allows himself to be prodded because that’s what Thomas needed. He doesn’t stand above Thomas, making him feel foolish or sinful, but meets him in his floundering to believe.
The encounter is transformative, the need for evidence superseded by recognition and worship. Thomas gasps, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Reflect on your own questions (of faith)
What troubles you?
What nags away at your ability to trust?
Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who believe but have not seen for themselves: that’s you and me.
Can you receive that blessing?
We offer this prayer, if you would like to use it:
Lord Jesus Christ,
you reached out to Thomas in his questioning.
Thank you that you come to each of us at our point of need.
We bless you that you are present now,
crucified and risen,
scarred yet alive,
Saviour and Lord.
Help us to trust you
and to move from uncertainty to faith,
from searching to worship.
Amen