It has been noted with some chagrin that children in our society today are more likely to be able to name Santa’s eight reindeer than to be able to name the twelve disciples of Jesus. It is much, much more likely, I’m afraid. And, that goes for good churchgoing kids as well as those with little-to-no connection to the church. Many can, no doubt, identify Peter, James and John, and will probably recognize a few others—Matthew, Andrew, Judas, of course. However, a lot of the disciples “fly under the radar”, appearing as part of the group, rather than as individuals. (A good list of the disciples can be found in Matthew 10:1-4.) Thomas is perhaps an exception.
While Peter, the disciple, shows up various places in the Gospel narratives, the disciple named Thomas makes only a few appearances. The most notable appearance, of course, is where he gets his most prominent nickname, “doubting Thomas.” Informed of the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas vehemently asserts his disbelief in the resurrection. Following the appearance of the resurrected Jesus, Thomas exclaims the profound testimony, “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:28).
While the biblical record is silent as to the experiences of Thomas following the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1), there is good post-biblical testimony as to Thomas’ career as a follower of the Way. The post-resurrection travels of most of the disciples is obscure, though the evidence for Thomas’ travels as a missionary are as clear as any other, save, of course, Paul himself. Tradition indicates that Thomas traveled outside the Roman empire to the east, evangelizing and establishing Churches as far as the Indian subcontinent. Indeed, there are worshipping communities active in southern India and Sri Lanka today that trace a continual presence back to the Apostle Thomas. Less reliable legends link the Apostle to the founding of churches in western China and even Indonesia.
According to Church tradition, Thomas was killed with a spear while preaching in India. There is an awesome painting of the event from the 17th century painter, Rubens, entitled, “The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas,” which is well worth looking up. Thomas’ death is thought to have occurred sometime in the 70s, some forty years of faithfully living, witnessing and serving the resurrected Lord. Not bad for a doubter, huh?
In preparation for worship this week, read John 20:19-28.
- What reason might the biblical author have for identifying Thomas as “the Twin” (verse 24)? What purpose would it serve John in his story about Jesus to specify Thomas this way?
- There is no reason given for the vehemence with which Thomas appears to reject the notion of the resurrection. Speculate on why he might have rejected the idea so strongly.
- Compare the events of verse 26 with the initial appearance of Jesus to the disciples in verses 19-21. What parallels are present. Why did He appear in this way again?
- What do you think about the way Jesus responds to Thomas? Where is the rebuke, the correction or the judgment? What tone do you think Jesus uses in verse 27?
- Thomas responds to Jesus’ presence with the exclamation: “My Lord and My God!” (verse 28). Take each word separately—what does each mean to Thomas?
By Henry Knapp