In this journey of shepherding our disposition to unusual or non-conventional characters demands that we be cautious in their handling. Consider the early apostle Thomas in the three recorded encounters in John 11:14-16, John 14:1-5 and John 20:24-29.
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. John 11:14-16
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? John 14:1-5
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:24-29
Pray what is your impression of this man, chosen by the Lord, an apostle? Please pause and reflect and take a stand before continuing to read.
Now consider the first instance in John 11, if you miss the context of the statement of Thomas, you will have reached the wrong judgment of this man’s character. When the Lord decided to return to Bethany because His friend Lazarus had died, the disciples were reluctant to go fearing the Jews there might try to stone Him again. To them it was prudence to escape possible death, when the Master’s objective in going was not known. Thomas here in verse 16 demonstrated unusual courage and confidence in the Master’s decision, even if it meant death. Note that Jesus never wrote him off as many of us had.
In the second instance in John 14:1-5, why live in assumption when you can ask questions on what you have committed your life to? Thomas was courageous enough to break ranks and be vulnerable with Jesus (what happened to the others in the light of their stance in John 6:51-69 and John 7:28-36?).
The Lord responded to Thomas’ frank scepticism, not with a blistering rebuke, but an answer that has illuminated the only path for believers ever since, Jesus in John 14:6 solved the riddle of Nicodemus (John 3:3-7).
Beloved, it is no doubt to be vulnerable with the lover of your life otherwise you may just be a pretender walking in fear. We see the same expression in John 20:24-29. Until we get to the maturity planned for us, He will fulfil Matthew 12:20 in His dealing with us. Can you extend the same to others? We will finish this in our next post. Selah
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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