Thomas had been given a free gift from God. This gift is one way God expresses His love to humans.
The gift? Free won’t.
Thomas was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The Bible says: “But Thomas…was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, ‘We saw the Master (Jesus).’ But Thomas said, "Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it." I won’t…
Jesus died. Was resurrected to life and had appeared to a few—but not Thomas. Thomas then exercised his free won’t: “I won’t believe.” His God-given choice/gift.
At a small gathering of friends recently, we discussed some men in the Bible whose lives intermingled closely with Jesus—Peter, Thomas, and Paul. I asked the question: “Who can you most relate to?”
Two answered honestly, saying they were like Thomas during the doubting phase of his life. Free won’t in my friend’s lives said: “Until I have more evidence, I won’t fully believe in Jesus.”
I have respect for their searching attitude. But there is a huge, destructive trap that can easily unfurl. I won’t believe until…way, way too often becomes: “I won’t do anything regarding pursuing truth. I won’t believe in Jesus. And I won’t invest any effort into making an informed decision on this ultra-important matter.”
Now Thomas and my two friends (for the most part) have a proper, searching attitude.
(1) Thomas maintained his connection with his believing friends. “And Thomas was with them.”
(2) Thomas never said that believing was beyond possibility. He needed more evidence: “Unless I see…”
(3) Thomas was willing to make a swift, radical change when he had his evidence. Jesus appeared to him, saying, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here with your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." From I won’t, Thomas immediately responded to Jesus: “My Lord and my God.”
