A LITTLE while ago I came across a cartoon which featured some of the disciples, namely Peter, Thomas and one other, maybe John.
In it Thomas bemoans his fate to the others.
He says, arms raised, that: “All I’m saying is that we don’t call Peter ‘Denying Peter’, or Mark ‘Ran Away Naked Mark’. Why should I be saddled with this title?”
Peter, trying to appear sombre but containing a laugh, replies: “I see your point Thomas, but really it’s time to move on.”
So, poor ol’ Thomas obtained a nickname that somehow just stuck throughout the ages.
Maybe it’s simply because most people can relate to what he had experienced.
The story goes, according to John chapter 20 vs 19 to 29 that Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection.
Jesus shows them His hands and His side… which results in much joy.
He then breaths on them to receive the Holy Spirit.
They were all there, except Thomas.
When he eventually reconnects with the group, his mates tell him what had happened. Over and over again, in fact.
At first he thinks they’re playing a joke on him (well, it seems that way).
When he realises they’re serious, he gets upset and utters one of the most iconic or popular sentences in Bible history.
“Unless I see in His hands the marks made by the nails and put my finger in the nail prints, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe it.”
A day goes by. Nothing. A few more go by, still nothing.
Finally, eight days later, Jesus reappears to the disciples, this time through a closed door.
First He says ‘Peace to you!’
This time Thomas is there.
His eyes must have popped out. The others must have been like … excited kids watching their friend open the greatest Christmas or birthday present ever, knowing what it is.
Then Jesus says to Thomas: “Reach out your finger here and see My hands, and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous but stop your unbelief and believe!”
Thomas, never short of words it seems, simply says: “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus wraps things up succinctly, and arguably with you and me in mind, when He says:
“Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe? Blessed are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and trusted on Me.”
So, Thomas could have been nicknamed ‘Trusting Tom’ but it didn’t work out quite that way.
Perhaps for our benefit.
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