Topical Bible: Love: Love for Jesus: Thomas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Thomas, also known as Didymus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His relationship with Jesus is marked by a journey from doubt to profound love and faith. Thomas is often remembered for his initial skepticism, but his account is a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.

Biblical Account

Thomas is first introduced in the synoptic gospels as one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). However, it is in the Gospel of John that Thomas's character and his love for Jesus are most vividly portrayed.

In John 11:16, Thomas demonstrates his loyalty and love for Jesus when he encourages the other disciples to accompany Jesus to Judea, despite the danger posed by the Jewish leaders. He says, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." This statement reflects a willingness to face peril out of devotion to Jesus, indicating a deep commitment and love.

The most well-known episode involving Thomas occurs after the resurrection of Jesus. In John 20:24-29, Thomas is not present when Jesus first appears to the other disciples. When they tell him they have seen the Lord, Thomas expresses doubt, famously stating, "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 never believe" (John 20:25).

A week later, Jesus appears again, and this time Thomas is present. Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, saying, "Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27). Thomas responds with a profound declaration of faith and love, exclaiming, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). This confession is one of the clearest acknowledgments of Jesus' divinity in the New Testament and marks a pivotal moment in Thomas's spiritual journey.

Theological Significance

Thomas's journey from doubt to faith is significant in understanding the nature of love for Jesus. His initial skepticism is not a sign of weak faith but rather a desire for a personal and tangible encounter with the risen Lord. When Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt, it is an act of grace that transforms Thomas's uncertainty into a deep and abiding love.

Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," is a testament to the personal relationship that believers are called to have with Jesus. It reflects a love that is both intimate and reverent, recognizing Jesus as both Savior and God. This moment underscores the Christian belief that true love for Jesus involves both faith and recognition of His divine nature.

Legacy and Tradition

Tradition holds that Thomas carried his love for Jesus to the ends of the earth, preaching the gospel in regions as far as India. His missionary work is a testament to the transformative power of his encounter with the risen Christ. The love that Thomas had for Jesus compelled him to spread the message of salvation, even at great personal risk.

In Christian art and literature, Thomas is often depicted as a symbol of faith that overcomes doubt. His account encourages believers to seek a personal encounter with Jesus and to respond with love and devotion. Thomas's journey from doubt to faith serves as a reminder that Jesus meets us in our uncertainties and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Nave's Topical Index

John 11:16
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, to his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love. ... response to a divine revelation"
(WH Griffith Thomas, 143 ... When Jesus told people, "Your faith has made you ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

Jesus and Thomas.
... "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Thus, mingled with his fear, was a noble
and heroic love for Jesus. The hopelessness of Thomas as he thought of ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

Believe --Love --Obey.
... Thomas' question helps Jesus to turn ... Then by a subtle turn He changes the word, though
not the thing, to help them understand better: "If ye love Me."[116 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/believeloveobey.htm

Love and Discernment.
... It is this "quick scent" that by the same Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ bestows upon
those who love Him with all the heart. 3. THE PERMANENT RESULT. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Of the Intimate Love of Jesus
... THE SECOND BOOK. ADMONITIONS CONCERNING THE INNER LIFE CHAPTER VIII Of the
intimate love of Jesus. When Jesus is present all is well ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter viii of the intimate.htm

St. Thomas the Apostle. And Thomas Answered and Said unto Him, My ...
... And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto Him,
Thomas, because thou hast seen me ... One having might and glory, rich in love,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/st thomas the apostle and.htm

Jesus Gives his Last Commands to his Helpers
... As Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the sons of ... me more than
these?" He said, "Surely, Master, you know I love you." Jesus said to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus gives his last commands.htm

The Eleventh Chapter: Few Love the Cross of Jesus
... give Him thanks. What power there is in pure love for Jesus"love that is
free from all self-interest and self-love! Do not those ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eleventh chapter few love.htm

Of the Fewness of those who Love the Cross of Jesus
... Many love Jesus so long as no adversities happen to them. ... 3. Oh what power hath
the pure love of Jesus, unmixed with any gain or love of self! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xi of the fewness.htm

The Fifth Chapter: the Wonderful Effect of Divine Love
... The noble love of Jesus spurs to great deeds and excites longing for that which
is more perfect. Love tends upward; it will not be held down by anything low. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifth chapter the wonderful.htm

Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love
... taste. The surpassing love of Jesus impelleth to great works, and exciteth
to the continual desiring of greater perfection. Love ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter v of the wonderful.htm