Church at Wieuca

Dr. Kevin Head: Hey friends and welcome back to Reimagining Our Faith. Today we turn our attention to another disciple. His name is Thomas. Now I know, probably the first thought many of us have when we hear the name Thomas is to think of his doubting. Very often when we think of Thomas, most people jump straight to the moment after the resurrection when Thomas became known as Doubting Thomas. It's fair; that moment was a critical one in the life of Thomas and it is what he's most known for as a disciple.

But long before that moment, Thomas showed a side of discipleship that is bold, loyal, and even deeply committed. Earlier in his life, Thomas demonstrates remarkable faith. In John chapter 11, Jesus announces that he is going to go back to Judea because Lazarus has died. When Jesus said that, the disciples panicked. They quickly reminded Jesus that the last time he was in Judea, some of the people tried to stone him. The message from the disciples was basically, "Jesus, this is a terrible idea. Let's not go to Judea."

But then Thomas spoke up. Not Peter, not James, not John; Thomas was the disciple who at this critical moment makes an incredible statement of faith. While all the other disciples are telling Jesus not to go to Judea and that they don't want to go with him, Thomas says, "Let us also go that we may die with him." This statement is not the voice of a doubter. This is the voice of a disciple who understands that following Jesus is not about comfort or safety, but instead discipleship is about commitment.

Thomas was the only one willing to say out loud what true discipleship demands. And that is, if Jesus is going, then we're going too, even if it costs us everything. We live in a world that loves convenience. We want faith that fits our schedule, our preferences, our comfort zones. But Thomas reminds us that discipleship is not a hobby; it's a calling. Sometimes following Jesus means walking into places we'd rather avoid. It means staying faithful when others walk away. It means standing firm when the crowd is silent.

Commitment is not proven in the easy seasons of life. It's proven when obedience is costly. Where is Jesus calling you to follow him, even though it might feel risky, uncomfortable, or even costly? Today, ask God for the courage of Thomas, the courage to say, "Lord, if you're going, I'm going too." God uses that kind of courage to help us all reimagine our faith.