I'm sure if I entitled my post "Doubting Thomas," many would know to whom I refer. That label he was given has made him infamous among those who read their Bibles. But I found something interesting about Thomas when I was reading this morning.
In the gospel of John, chapter 11, Jesus is preparing to return to Judea, to raise Lazarus from the dead. His disciples were worried because the Jews there wanted to stone Him, so they questioned his decision to return.
In verse 16, we read:
When I read that, the first thing I thought was, Wow! What a bold thing to say!
All I have ever heard about Thomas is that he was a doubter. But this comment doesn't lend itself to someone who is weak-willed (which is often the opinion people have of doubters). This sounds like a man who knows his Messiah!
When Jesus was taken by the guards, all of his disciples scattered. They were scared. Then He died, and they were totally confused and even more afraid. Can anyone blame Thomas for wanting to see Jesus? Has anyone ever stopped to consider that the other disciples were telling Thomas that Jesus was alive because they DID get to see Him? (Otherwise, we might have a doubting Matthew, or a doubting John, right?)
All this to say that we need to be careful how we label someone, because that label could stick with them for a long time -- even if it isn't accurate or fair.
How about you? Are you wearing a label that someone has branded you with? I pray that you walk in freedom, knowing that the only label God gives you is "mine."
In the gospel of John, chapter 11, Jesus is preparing to return to Judea, to raise Lazarus from the dead. His disciples were worried because the Jews there wanted to stone Him, so they questioned his decision to return.
In verse 16, we read:
"Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.'"
When I read that, the first thing I thought was, Wow! What a bold thing to say!
All I have ever heard about Thomas is that he was a doubter. But this comment doesn't lend itself to someone who is weak-willed (which is often the opinion people have of doubters). This sounds like a man who knows his Messiah!
When Jesus was taken by the guards, all of his disciples scattered. They were scared. Then He died, and they were totally confused and even more afraid. Can anyone blame Thomas for wanting to see Jesus? Has anyone ever stopped to consider that the other disciples were telling Thomas that Jesus was alive because they DID get to see Him? (Otherwise, we might have a doubting Matthew, or a doubting John, right?)
All this to say that we need to be careful how we label someone, because that label could stick with them for a long time -- even if it isn't accurate or fair.
How about you? Are you wearing a label that someone has branded you with? I pray that you walk in freedom, knowing that the only label God gives you is "mine."
wow! eyeopening! What a great post!! I'll never look at Thomas the same!
ReplyDeleteYes, Maria, it is eye-opening!
DeleteIt's funny how you can read a passage in the Bible for the umpteeth time, and then something stands out so obviously that you don't know how you could have missed it before.
I think that's proof that the Word IS living and active, just like Hebrews 4:12 says!
I love reading your "packed full of wisdom" posts! I want to shed the labels I have placed on myself. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey.
DeleteI read Audrey's blog about being a SAHM and wife being a thankless job, and I realized how I've just agreed it's that way and slapped a "thankless job doer" label on myself and went with it. No more!
I'll pray for you and you pray for me, okay? :-)