New Hope Church

HEROES AND VILLAINS

THOMAS THE VILLAIN??

John 20:24“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus) 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.”

John 20:26-28“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!” 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.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

THOMAS THE HERO

John 11:11-16“ After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus ) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

John 14:1-6 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Q. WHAT HAPPENED TO THOMAS?

Church tradition:
> Travelled outside Roman Empire in 52AD

> Martyred 72AD.

Q. Are we quick to judge another persons merits on what is only a partial picture of their life?

Q. Are we quick to write myself off based on less than my whole character?

Q. When we’re confused do we seek clarity or just give up?

Q. When I doubt, am I determined to experience Jesus for myself?