St. Thomas
Meaning of the name: St. Thomas' name comes from the Greek Thomas, which comes from similar sounding Aramaic word meaning Twin. Apart from the list of the Twelve, he is mentioned four times as an actor – only in the Gospel of John. Three of out four times John add “twin” to his name. What it is? A translation of his Aramaic name? Or a description of his friendship with Matthew (they are listed together in all the lists on the 12). Or, as some suggest, as duplicity of his character? Did he ever had a twin brother? There are many things in the Bible that we might have find the answers only when we see the communion of the Saints in heaven. So far, the real answer is we don't know – it is the answer we should not be ashamed of. People who believe that they know THE ANSWERS – they just didn't study long and thorough enough.
Life story: We don't know how Jesus found Thomas. We meet him the first time as a member of the Twelve – so, at the very beginning, it looks like a name in the list. Therefore, we can safely assume that he went with a partner to the mission trip (two by two), being successful (Mark 6:12-13, 30-31; if he would fail the mission, either Mark or another Gospel writer would've notice that). As stated above – we have four stories that involve Thomas as an actor. Let us go through them, one by one.
Lazarus resurrection story. Thomas is the guy who, after a period of hesitation experienced by all the disciples, encourages other to join Jesus and go back to Judea. He is ready to die with Jesus. There is a reason for such a strong statement. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are full of moments when the hostility level was about to overflow (8:59, 9:22, 10:31, 39). The Jewish authorities were ready to stone Jesus, arrest Him (I guess to be delivered to Romans), and to put out of synagogal community those who followed Him. In this context we should not be surprised that the first response of disciples to Jesus invitation “let US go...” was not taken enthusiastically (John 11:7-8). And after a small exhortation (John 11:9-15), Thomas is ready to go. He is ready to join Jesus (note that first Christ says “I am going (v.11), while concluding with an invitation to all of them (v. 15). In The Lutheran Service Book there is a hymn “Let us ever walk with Jesus” (LSB, 685) Stanza 3 goes like this:
Let us gladly die with Jesus Since by death He conquered death
He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath
Let us mortify all passion that would lead us into sin
and the grave that shuts us in shall but prove the gate to heaven
Jesus, here with You I die; there to live with You on high
The last sermon. John 14 – 16 has the last sermon on Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper. He just began to comfort them in the light of upcoming separation, then Thomas fires the first question: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. And how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). It is a bold statement. But his question gives us the wonderful statement of Jesus's identity: I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The destination, the theology/teaching, and the lifestyle while we go toward heaven – all elements of our lives are here.
Doubting Thomas. This is the MAIN Thomas story – his stubbornness to accept the resurrection... Let's read slowly and carefully, and maybe we will learn something new. After the resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples. The doors are locked [for the fear of the Jews]. But (!) where is Thomas? What possessed him to step outside?? Again, I don't think we can have an answer for this question, but what is obvious is he was not afraid. Just like the trip to Lazarus' grave. So, we are coming back to his first quality – bravery. While he is gone, Jesus comes to the disciples. They “report” to Thomas about the Christ' visitation (maybe out of overwhelming joy or because he had some level of authority in the community). His response should not surprise us. What should surprise is a lack of response on the part of the disciples. Nobody tries to convince him – why? Because they know Thomas as a man of factual knowledge? Possibly. So, we are coming to his quality number two – deep thinking. Something like: “all things considered...” or “to get a full understanding he needed as much information as possible.” So, when Jesus returns He speaks directly to Thomas (John 20:27). the risen Lord does not confront him, but provides “the fullness of information,” in a similar way He did before the trip to Lazarus' tomb, or during the last sermon. Thomas' confession should be a confession of every godly Christian: my Lord and my God (John 20:28).
The last Biblical story is the fish and chips breakfast (John 21). We know this chapter as a story of reconciliation between Jesus and Peter. As Peter denied three times his association with the Galilean, Jesus at the shore of lake of Galilee asks him: do you love me? (John 21:15-17). Yet, John points out that there were others present at the event: Nathaniel [we talked about him earlier] and Thomas (John 21:2). When Peter jumps off the boat after seeing Jesus on the shore, the other disciples bring the boat back to the land. Reliable, thoughtful, and thankful – the features of the disciples who were present at the fish and chips breakfast. They apply to Thomas, to full extend.
Commemoration – December 21 (right before we SEE the newborn Jesus)
Prayer: Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthen Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
