This time of year we quite frequently hear again the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples in the upper room. The story shares that in the first appearance one of the disciples, Thomas, was missing and that he did not believe what the others shared. He needed proof. The story is often referred to as the story of Doubting Thomas and, more often than not, it is said with a certain amount of judgment.
What a Pile of Nonsense
Thomas, through the years, has been seen as the one of lesser faith because he doubted. It has been said that those of true faith do not question or doubt. What a pile of nonsense!!!
Who among us does not question?
Who among us does not doubt?
I would say that Thomas is actually a good example of how we should approach our faith. Thomas did not take the story at face value. Instead he questioned and prodded until he was able to come to a place of grounding his faith and then was able to truly share that with others. He believed because he searched for the answers and grew in wisdom and in truth.
A Deeper Dig for the Truth
Doubt is a natural thing that spurs us to dig deeper, search for the truth, gain understanding and knowledge and grow in our faith. In the story, Jesus returns a second time. He responds to Thomas’s doubts and provides the information necessary for Thomas to move into a place of joy and commitment. Some have read Jesus’ words as chastisement of Thomas for his behaviour. However if that were the case, why bother even responding? Jesus’ could just as easily said “ Well, if he doesn’t believe then too bad for him. He should have been here the first time.” That, however, is not the case. Jesus said
“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”
In the gospel named for Luke there is another story of Jesus appearing to the disciples and in that case they were all terrified. Jesus says
“Why are you frightened and why do doubts rise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch and see.”
Again Jesus responds to their doubts with information that will enable them to move from that place of doubt to the place of understanding and deep faith.
Seek and You Shall Find
In the book of Proverbs chapter 3 it is written “ Happy are those who find wisdom and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver and her revenue better than gold”. Jesus is reported to have said
“Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened.”
Today I celebrate the example of Thomas who was not afraid to question and doubt and who, by his actions, invites me to do the same.
Blessings
Valerie
© 2015 Rev. Valerie Peyton Kingsbury. All rights reserved.