At the end of Easter, we always have the story of Thomas. Over the years he has been called Doubting Thomas because of one simple reason. He could not believe what the others told him of Jesus’ resurrection.
And who could blame him? As we read John 20:19-31, we see that Thomas missed the initial visitation from Christ. We also know that Thomas was hurt. Tradition says he was one of the younger followers of Christ. He invested his heart and hope in Jesus, only to see Jesus hung on a cross and buried in a tomb. This is hard to handle and even harder to overcome. So, when the others told him of seeing Jesus, he probably attributed their sighting to wishful thinking and mental illness.
But then came the day Jesus visited again. Thomas expressed what proof he needed: to see the hands, the feet and the wound; only then would Thomas believe. Jesus shows up, and the rest is history.
Except I think we miss the most telling part.
As you read the story, notice that Jesus does not chastise Thomas. In fact, Jesus is very encouraging of Thomas. Jesus did not accuse Thomas of lack of faith; he did not condemn Thomas to a lesser role. Jesus simply showed who he was and encouraged Thomas to believe.
As I read this passage, I realize that we may be doing church all wrong. We have so many denominations that have so many unique ideas that we often take on the attitude that others believe less. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own doctrines that we can’t help but argue with those who don’t believe the way we do. We question other denominational practices and traditions.
Yet Jesus didn’t debate. He didn’t chastise. He didn’t accuse. He simply showed himself to Thomas. That one simple act solidified Thomas’ faith.
Perhaps we need to do just that. Perhaps just showing Christ is enough to help others believe. In fact, I am becoming convinced that teaching the doctrines and traditions of your church can be detrimental to the sharing of the gospel.
The message of the gospel is simple. Christ loves you and me. Christ died for you and me. Christ is alive and offers forgiveness and eternal life to you and me. It is just that simple.
The church is there to help deepen a relationship with Christ, but we often overcomplicate it. Teaching the Bible should bring us closer to Christ, not drive a wedge between groups of people. The message of Christ should be a unifier, not a divider.
Might I suggest that when we come across a person who questions, we simply offer Christ. No accusations or chastisement, just simple loving as Christ loves us. After all, that is the final commandment: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34).
Remember how Jesus loved Thomas and do accordingly.
Just a thought.
See you in church.
