The Disciple Thomas

THE DISCIPLE THOMAS

John 20:25 (King James Version)
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

let us study the nature of doubt, as seen in Thomas’ live.
let us overcome doubt in the daily lives by a study of the Word of God, and a personal walk with Jesus.

INTRODUCTION:
“Didymus” means “Occurring in pairs” or “Twin”.
Thomas had a twin brother or a twin sister.
The scripture doesn’t mention either.
It is possible for one family member to be more popular than another. The other twin may have been a great Christian. Possibly the whole family except Thomas was unsaved, we just don’t know.

Thomas was called by Jesus:

Matthew 10:1-2 (King James Version)
1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Mark 3:18 (King James Version)
18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Luke 6:15 (King James Version)
15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

Why do Christians doubt?
Many doubt because they do not have the facts.
They have not studied the Bible.
They have sin in their lives.
They are going contrary to the Word of God.
They doubt because of circumstances.

I. THOMAS DOUBTED WHETHER OR NOT JESUS SHOULD GO TO JERUSALEM.

· John 11:1-16. Turn and read

A. Jesus was in the wilderness with His disciples when He received word that Lazarus was sick. Jesus loved Lazarus, but He stayed in the wilderness for two days.

B. When Jesus decided to go to Bethany, His disciples reminded Him that the Jews waned to kill Him. Vs. 8. Jesus answered them that He must walk in the light rather than in the darkness. Vs. 9&10.

C. The disciples argued that if Lazarus was sleeping, anyone could waken him. They did not understand that Lazarus was dead, and that Jesus was going to Jerusalem to raise him from the dead.

D. Thomas expressed doubt by his statement, “Let us also go, that we may die with him”, Vs 16.

E. Thomas could not see the plan of God, therefore he doubted.

F. Jesus waited two days and planned to raise Lazarus from the dead so that His disciples would believe, but Thomas doubted.

II. THOMAS DOUBTED AT THE LAST SUPPER.

· John 14:5 (King James Version) 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

A. Many events happened at the Last Supper.

1. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, including Thomas’.

2. Even though Thomas was a doubter, Jesus never left him out.

3. After Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a mansion for them in heaven, Thomas again expressed his doubt:

§ “We know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the - way?” Vs. 5.

4. Many people today have doubts about the way to heaven.

a) They doubt God’s Word just as Thomas did. “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

b) Every person must know that Jesus is the ONLY WAY.

c) There are not two ways.

d) There is not another way.

e) Jesus is the only way.

III. THOMAS DOUBTS AFTER THE RESURRECTION.

· John 20:25-26 (King James Version) 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

A. On Easter Sunday there were ten disciples assembled in the upper room.

B. The doors were shut and the windows were barred, but Jesus miraculously stood in the midst of them and said,

C. “Peace be unto you”, Vs 12. Thomas was not with them, Vs 24. (Notice what Thomas missed by not being in church that Sunday)

D. During the next week the disciples talked with Thomas about seeing the risen Lord.

E. He once again expressed his doubt

F. Had Thomas been in the upper room the Sunday before He would have seen Jesus and all doubt and unbelief would have been nullified.

G. The main problem with doubt is not the mind but the will. Thomas had said “I Will not believe.” Thomas response to Jesus’ request was, “My Lord and my God”. This is the opposite of doubt.

H. THOMAS’ DOUBT WAS DISPELLED BY SIGHT.

1. Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.” Vs. 29.

IV. SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THOMAS.

A. Thomas was his Hebrew name. Didymus was his Greek name.

B. He was killed with a spear as a martyr for the Lord. His symbol is a group of spears, stones and arrows.