The name says it all.
What I'm hoping to do this day is take a well known scripture and turn it on it's head. To take the negative connotations attached to it and make something positive out of it.
We'll start off right away by reading the scripture.
John 20:19-31
New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Jesus Appears to Thomas
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Don't you hate being the person who gets left out?
At school, there was a party the day you were sick and at home.
At school, there was a party the day you were sick and at home.
During church, there was special music & potluck the day you were gone.
In life, someone seems to get blessed with a special moment and you did not.
We are looking at just such a moment today.
"Doubting Thomas" - an ominous title that has left many in its wake.
Do you know of anybody who likes to be tagged with that title?
It insinuates that we don't have a handle on things, we have a hard time believing, or we can't see it unless we actually see it with our own eyes.
It's one of those titles that begs us to look into what it means.
A name. We have not looked anything like that up before. Lots of words , but never a name.
Found a real interesting site called "Behind The Name" ( http://www.behindthename.com/)
They had this to add on the name "Thomas":
In life, someone seems to get blessed with a special moment and you did not.
We are looking at just such a moment today.
"Doubting Thomas" - an ominous title that has left many in its wake.
Do you know of anybody who likes to be tagged with that title?
It insinuates that we don't have a handle on things, we have a hard time believing, or we can't see it unless we actually see it with our own eyes.
It's one of those titles that begs us to look into what it means.
A name. We have not looked anything like that up before. Lots of words , but never a name.
Found a real interesting site called "Behind The Name" ( http://www.behindthename.com/)
They had this to add on the name "Thomas":
THOMAS
GENDER: Masculine
USAGE: English, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Greek, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek
OTHER SCRIPTS: Θωμας (Greek)
PRONOUNCED: TAHM-əs (English), TOM-əs (English), to-MAH (French), TO-mahs (German, Dutch), tho-MAHS (Greek) [key]
Meaning & History
Greek form of the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'oma') which meant "twin". In the New Testament this is the name of the apostle who initially doubted the resurrected Jesus. According to tradition he was martyred in India. Due to his renown, the name came into general use in the Christian world.
In England the name was introduced by the Normans (a group of Vikings who came to settle in French territory) and became very popular due to Saint
Thomas Becket, a 12th-century archbishop of Canterbury and martyr.
Another notable saint by this name was the 13th-century Italian
philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas, who is regarded as a Doctor
of the Church. Other famous bearers include philosopher Thomas Hobbes
(1588-1679), American president Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), novelist
Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), and inventor Thomas Edison (1847-1931).
The Thomas in our passage here is commonly referred to as "Didymus", the Twin.
It's never clear who Thomas' twin actually is in life. Is he an actually brother to someone?
Or is this more of a 'spiritual' kinship?
What I found interesting in everywhere that I looked was that no book or reference attaches anything to his name that we commonly think of when we hear it. Doubt.
Several years ago as I began my Christian journey I was in a bookstore where many of those name plates and cards are sold. You've probably seen them. Coffee mugs, book marks, bracelets and jewelry, anything to exploit the selling of the name. And, people are real into it too. Websites upon websites of name searching material. People want to get to their origins or figure out the proper name to give their child. The name you give your child can say it all.
My dad's name is Tom. Thomas Ralph.
It seems that down through the years the name Thomas has been given to some very influential people. You would think that the name would give someone pride. But, too often, it is not the book given definition that sticks in people's minds. It is the spoken affirmation that people go with and dwell upon. "Doubting Thomas".
What in our passage today has given that ominous feeling to this man and his name?
Thomas wasn't there when Jesus randomly appeared to his disciples.
He missed out on the moment. He was left out of the glory.
And, he makes this declaration, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Hmmm. Bold words. A challenge. A declaration made to all who could hear.
Sound like anybody we know? If Thomas was a "twin" to anyone, I would make a correlation to our dear friend Peter.
You remember Peter, don't you? Our central focus for the Lenten season.
Do you remember his boldness, or maybe his stumbling?
When he heard or saw something that made no sense or that he did not understand there almost no hesitation at times. He blurts out a statement. He challenges Jesus. The teacher had to be gritting his teeth at time as he deals with his student.
Melissa has shared lots of things with me over the years.
We have laughed. We have cried. There have been times where I have had to say, "Dear, I'm eating right now. Please keep those details to yourself." But, you'd be amazed how many times there is stuff attached to a child's name. The way a child carries his or herself. The way a child relates to others.
Was there something predetermined in the Thomas of our scripture today?
Was he destined to doubt, simply because of the name given to him?
To often we are cruel and hateful when we look people in that light.
"Well, what are you going to do with a child named _____?"
Children don't pick their own names. They are given. If we are going to blame anybody, blame the parents. But, even in that light, do parents really pick names for their children thinking that they will grow up and become this or that in life?
The bombers of the Boston Marathon...did their parents give them names pre-determining that their children would someday grow up and become these kind of people to commit heinous acts of violence and rage? I'd like to think not. Maybe in some cases there are people who do that. We'd like to think that human beings grow up and become who they want to be, not what someone else wants them to be. But, we are all shaped and formed by the events and the teaching we receive in life. We could blame our actions and words upon all of that. There is still this place in our hearts where we have to decipher and and formulate what we want to become as people based upon all that we have experienced. It is not just some random formulation. We are who we are because we want to be that way. The responsibility comes squarely down upon our own shoulders in the end.
The disciple named Thomas in our passage simply wants to know and experience what everybody did. Everybody else got to see him. Everybody else got to touch him. He simply wants the same experience. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
The comforting notion is that Jesus gives him exactly what he asked for. Isn't that amazing.
He could have just left him to him own devices. The other disciples could have simply told him, "Tough luck buddy. You're going to have to believe our words." Nope, Jesus gives him exactly what he wants. Physical proof.
As soon as given enters the scene in today's passage, the first thing he does is find Thomas.
There is no hesitation, as if he needs to talk to the others disciples first.
The thing that jumped off the page at me was just how long Thomas had to wait.
Last week's scripture says it was the first day of the week (Maybe it was Monday?)
John's passage says the same thing, but then eludes to the fact that Thomas was not there.
The RSV translation states that it was "on the eighth day" when Jesus appears to Thomas.
Why in the world does he make him wait that long?
So, basically, it's the following Monday. A little over a whole week.
Wow. There is another phrase with negative attachments. "On the eighth day..."
On the eighth day, God created brains, because he knew you didn't have any
On the eighth day, God created Chevy, because Ford was found on the road dead
On the eighth day, God created burritos, because he saw that man was hungry
you know, silly stuff like this........
But, the eighth day in scripture was actually a very holy thing.
On the eighth day, parents would bring a child to the temple to consecrated.
People would give offerings, times of worship and festivals happened on eighth days.
They were considered holy and set apart for the Lord.
So, maybe it wasn't all that odd that Jesus appeared "on the eighth day".
What must Thomas be thinking about these eight days? What is he struggling with?
Are there other people chiding him? Or, is it all internal? Is there anybody to comfort him?
"Doubting Thomas". The name beckons us to think badly of him. How many of us could take a walk in his shoes? How many of us have needed physical proof before we will believe that a thing is true?
When Jesus does come, he finds Thomas. He comforts him with his presence.
He offers his side and his hands as evidence. He offers to let Thomas touch, to see for himself.
Jesus has not gone to the Father yet. Soon he will, and this special moment will be no more.
Thomas got what he needed because it could be offered at this time. Soon, it won't be offered any more. Jesus will ascend to the Father and sit at the right hand of power and glory.
So, how do we fit in here? What can we say that might bring comfort to our own ailments?
How often have you beat yourself up over your preconceived notions about a thing?
You think this or that defines who you are and you have trouble with faith and hope.
You think because you have said certain things in life or partaken in activities that would shun you from being in God's presence. Society might look down upon you will a frown or wagging finger.
But, Jesus longs to come to you.
In our darkest moment, our moment of doubt and unbelief, Jesus can appear.
He can speak to us and show us the way. He can guide us to the truth we so desperately need.
I got some of those name cards at that Christian book store.
One night as we sat out at my grandparents house, I pulled them out and handed on to my dad.
It said "THOMAS - Seeker of Truth".
He frowned and said, "But, it means 'doubter' doesn't it?"
No, it doesn't. It means 'twin'. Thomas was a twin.
Maybe he was a 'twin' to another prominent disciple. Someone who was bold and outgoing.
Someone who longed and sought for the truth. Someone who just wanted to know what was right.
And, the same can be said for all of us. Even if your name isn't Thomas, maybe that title has been hung around your neck. "Doubting Thomas"
Take it off. Throw it away. And, realize that what you really want is the truth.
And, blessed are those who believe.
It's never clear who Thomas' twin actually is in life. Is he an actually brother to someone?
Or is this more of a 'spiritual' kinship?
What I found interesting in everywhere that I looked was that no book or reference attaches anything to his name that we commonly think of when we hear it. Doubt.
Several years ago as I began my Christian journey I was in a bookstore where many of those name plates and cards are sold. You've probably seen them. Coffee mugs, book marks, bracelets and jewelry, anything to exploit the selling of the name. And, people are real into it too. Websites upon websites of name searching material. People want to get to their origins or figure out the proper name to give their child. The name you give your child can say it all.
My dad's name is Tom. Thomas Ralph.
It seems that down through the years the name Thomas has been given to some very influential people. You would think that the name would give someone pride. But, too often, it is not the book given definition that sticks in people's minds. It is the spoken affirmation that people go with and dwell upon. "Doubting Thomas".
What in our passage today has given that ominous feeling to this man and his name?
Thomas wasn't there when Jesus randomly appeared to his disciples.
He missed out on the moment. He was left out of the glory.
And, he makes this declaration, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Hmmm. Bold words. A challenge. A declaration made to all who could hear.
Sound like anybody we know? If Thomas was a "twin" to anyone, I would make a correlation to our dear friend Peter.
You remember Peter, don't you? Our central focus for the Lenten season.
Do you remember his boldness, or maybe his stumbling?
When he heard or saw something that made no sense or that he did not understand there almost no hesitation at times. He blurts out a statement. He challenges Jesus. The teacher had to be gritting his teeth at time as he deals with his student.
Melissa has shared lots of things with me over the years.
We have laughed. We have cried. There have been times where I have had to say, "Dear, I'm eating right now. Please keep those details to yourself." But, you'd be amazed how many times there is stuff attached to a child's name. The way a child carries his or herself. The way a child relates to others.
Was there something predetermined in the Thomas of our scripture today?
Was he destined to doubt, simply because of the name given to him?
To often we are cruel and hateful when we look people in that light.
"Well, what are you going to do with a child named _____?"
Children don't pick their own names. They are given. If we are going to blame anybody, blame the parents. But, even in that light, do parents really pick names for their children thinking that they will grow up and become this or that in life?
The bombers of the Boston Marathon...did their parents give them names pre-determining that their children would someday grow up and become these kind of people to commit heinous acts of violence and rage? I'd like to think not. Maybe in some cases there are people who do that. We'd like to think that human beings grow up and become who they want to be, not what someone else wants them to be. But, we are all shaped and formed by the events and the teaching we receive in life. We could blame our actions and words upon all of that. There is still this place in our hearts where we have to decipher and and formulate what we want to become as people based upon all that we have experienced. It is not just some random formulation. We are who we are because we want to be that way. The responsibility comes squarely down upon our own shoulders in the end.
The disciple named Thomas in our passage simply wants to know and experience what everybody did. Everybody else got to see him. Everybody else got to touch him. He simply wants the same experience. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
The comforting notion is that Jesus gives him exactly what he asked for. Isn't that amazing.
He could have just left him to him own devices. The other disciples could have simply told him, "Tough luck buddy. You're going to have to believe our words." Nope, Jesus gives him exactly what he wants. Physical proof.
As soon as given enters the scene in today's passage, the first thing he does is find Thomas.
There is no hesitation, as if he needs to talk to the others disciples first.
The thing that jumped off the page at me was just how long Thomas had to wait.
Last week's scripture says it was the first day of the week (Maybe it was Monday?)
John's passage says the same thing, but then eludes to the fact that Thomas was not there.
The RSV translation states that it was "on the eighth day" when Jesus appears to Thomas.
Why in the world does he make him wait that long?
So, basically, it's the following Monday. A little over a whole week.
Wow. There is another phrase with negative attachments. "On the eighth day..."
On the eighth day, God created brains, because he knew you didn't have any
On the eighth day, God created Chevy, because Ford was found on the road dead
On the eighth day, God created burritos, because he saw that man was hungry
you know, silly stuff like this........
But, the eighth day in scripture was actually a very holy thing.
On the eighth day, parents would bring a child to the temple to consecrated.
People would give offerings, times of worship and festivals happened on eighth days.
They were considered holy and set apart for the Lord.
So, maybe it wasn't all that odd that Jesus appeared "on the eighth day".
What must Thomas be thinking about these eight days? What is he struggling with?
Are there other people chiding him? Or, is it all internal? Is there anybody to comfort him?
"Doubting Thomas". The name beckons us to think badly of him. How many of us could take a walk in his shoes? How many of us have needed physical proof before we will believe that a thing is true?
When Jesus does come, he finds Thomas. He comforts him with his presence.
He offers his side and his hands as evidence. He offers to let Thomas touch, to see for himself.
Jesus has not gone to the Father yet. Soon he will, and this special moment will be no more.
Thomas got what he needed because it could be offered at this time. Soon, it won't be offered any more. Jesus will ascend to the Father and sit at the right hand of power and glory.
So, how do we fit in here? What can we say that might bring comfort to our own ailments?
How often have you beat yourself up over your preconceived notions about a thing?
You think this or that defines who you are and you have trouble with faith and hope.
You think because you have said certain things in life or partaken in activities that would shun you from being in God's presence. Society might look down upon you will a frown or wagging finger.
But, Jesus longs to come to you.
In our darkest moment, our moment of doubt and unbelief, Jesus can appear.
He can speak to us and show us the way. He can guide us to the truth we so desperately need.
I got some of those name cards at that Christian book store.
One night as we sat out at my grandparents house, I pulled them out and handed on to my dad.
It said "THOMAS - Seeker of Truth".
He frowned and said, "But, it means 'doubter' doesn't it?"
No, it doesn't. It means 'twin'. Thomas was a twin.
Maybe he was a 'twin' to another prominent disciple. Someone who was bold and outgoing.
Someone who longed and sought for the truth. Someone who just wanted to know what was right.
And, the same can be said for all of us. Even if your name isn't Thomas, maybe that title has been hung around your neck. "Doubting Thomas"
Take it off. Throw it away. And, realize that what you really want is the truth.
And, blessed are those who believe.
