TWELVE COMMON MEN

2. TWELVE COMMON MEN Thomas The Realistic Apostle

3. Introduction • We often think of Thomas only as the one who doubted – “doubting Thomas” • But there is much more to Thomas • He is mentioned 12 times • 3 times he is called “Didymus” • Greek word that means “Twin” • In fact “Thomas” is the Aramaic word for “twin” • Perhaps a given name or nickname because he was a twin • John 21 has him fishing with 6 other apostles who were all likely fishermen

4. Introduction • We probably think of him as a “minor” character in the gospels • But John 21:2 lists Thomas second after Peter, which may indicate his rising prominence among the apostles • Perhaps he was a “late bloomer” since most of the information about Him comes in Jesus final weeks • John tells us most about the character of Thomas • Let’s see what Thomas was really like • Maybe we’ll see ourselves in Thomas

5. A “Courageous Thomas” • John 10:31-33 • The Jews wanted to kill Jesus • John 10:39-40 • Jesus eluded them and crossed the Jordan • John 11:7-8 • Jesus announced a return to Judea • The disciples were afraid (only 3 months have passed) • John 11:16 – Thomas steps forward with courage and leadership • “If they’re going to kill Him, let’s go die with Him”

6. A “Courageous Thomas” • Pessimism or Realism? • Some view Thomas as a pessimist • Always looking at the dark side • But they all knew that the Jewish leaders were planning to kill Jesus • Even Jesus had been talking about His coming death • Thomas is apparently the only one who understood what Jesus was saying and what the real situation was • And even in face of that knowledge, he says they should go with Jesus

7. An “Inquisitive Thomas” • John 14:1-4 • Jesus talks of His going away • His disciple’s don’t understand and haven’t been understanding since the evening began • Didn’t understand the foot-washing (Jn 13:1-20) • Didn’t understand the betrayal (Jn 13:21-30) • Didn’t understand Jesus death (Jn 13:31-38) • John 14:5-6 • Thomas admits his confusion (As Peter did and Philip also does) • A good student asks questions to make sure he understands his teacher

8. An “Inquisitive Thomas” • Look at the bright spots of Thomas’ question • Jesus has just said He was to be betrayed and killed • This is what Thomas had known would happen • Jesus told them that His death should not trouble the apostles • He was going to prepare a place for them • And He told them they knew the way • Thomas wanted to be with Jesus • He was willing to die • But he didn’t know the way Jesus spoke of, so he asked for clarification

9. A “Slow-to-be-convinced Thomas” • John 20:19-24 • Thomas was not present when Jesus first appeared • Many lessons have been taught on “What Thomas Missed When He Missed an Assembly” • But we don’t know why Thomas wasn’t there • We don’t even know the full purpose of the assembly • We do know they had locked themselves in for fear of the Jews • Thomas wasn’t hiding, perhaps we should see this as another example of his courage • But let’s not attribute a bad reason to his absence

10. A “Slow-to-be-convinced Thomas” • John 20:25 • For this we call him “doubting Thomas” • Or again others call him a pessimist • But he simply didn’t want to be deceived • Reality had not prepared Thomas for the resurrection, though Jesus’ teaching should have • He said what he thought • All the disciples were skeptical of Mary’s testimony earlier that day – Jn 20:1-10 • They had apparently not believed Mary’s report, their own eyes (except John), and Mary’s later report (Jn 20:8-9, 18)

11. A “Slow-to-be-convinced Thomas” • Thomas wanted proof! • He knew he could trust his own senses • Wanting proof is not a bad thing (1 Thes 5:21) • He made one mistake . . . • He had proof in the form of eye-witnesses • John 20:26-29 • Who told Jesus what Thomas said? • Jesus gives Thomas the proof he asked for • Jesus didn’t scold Thomas • But did say he should have believed the evidence of the eye-witnesses (as others would do)

12. A “Loving and Committed Thomas” • Look again at John 20:25 • Perhaps you can hear the pain in his words • The nail and the spear thrust had impacted Thomas’ life • He had been willing to die, but like the others he had fled at the arrest • Must have sounded like a cruel joke when they said, “We have seen the Lord”

13. A “Loving and Committed Thomas” • Look again at John 20:28 • We don’t know if Thomas touched Jesus before making his confession • But we know they all touched Him during those days (1 Jn 1:1-4) • But as soon as it was clear that Jesus was really alive, he didn’t hesitate

14. A “Loving and Committed Thomas” • Consider also the place of this event in the scheme of the book of John • A series of witnesses to the deity of Christ • Christ’s miracles • Christ’s teachings • Belief of various individuals • Raising of Lazarus • And Thomas’ statement of faith and commitment is the climax • Followed by John’s summary (Jn 20:30-31) • Written so you could have faith like Thomas

15. What happened to Thomas? • Again we don’t know for certain • Tradition says he brought the gospel to India evangelizing southward along India’s west coast then northward along the east coast • Tradition says he was killed by a spear near Madras, India on the east coast

16. Conclusion • What was Thomas like? • A realist who said what he thought • A courageous leader • An inquisitive student • A slow-to-be-convinced believer • A loving and committed friend • All those things made up his character • A character we could learn from