Ever step out of a room just as something big or funny happens? That's what happened to our next apostle.
The scriptures don't say where Thomas was when the risen Savior appeared to the roomful of followers, it just says he wasn't there. But when he returns and hears what happened, the nature of his comment has been remembered for a long time. Ever heard the negative phrase, "You're such a doubting Thomas."?
In his defense, here's another way to think of it. Have you ever come up to a group of friends who were hysterically laughing over something funny that happened at a party you were unable to attend? A strong feeling of being left out can swell within. Would you feel left out? I know I would. I get this part of Thomas's situation.
All Thomas did was to demand the same thing the rest of the apostles got. He wanted equality. Who knows where he was or why he left the room, but he missed it all. Missed seeing Jesus. Missed the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the commission Jesus spoke over them. Missed it! (John 20:19-25) He was more than likely frustrated, thinking he would never get the opportunity to partake in what everyone else received. I get that feeling.
As I looked at Thomas I saw a few other things.
When Jesus first appeared to the disciples in the upper room, they had not believed Mary Magdalene. In fact, they didn't recognize Jesus when He stood in the middle of the room. Jesus had to show them his hands and side. (vs 20) I have to wonder if they told this to Thomas. Is that why he said he wanted to see those too? Of course, once they saw those sites then they rejoiced. Hmm. So, when Jesus made His statements later in John 20:27-29 was he talking to just Thomas, or to the whole roomful of people? Hmmm.
So, was not being present the only reason Thomas was so frustrated and hesitant in believing what the others said? Let's look at two other episodes with him.
In John 11:7-16, we see Thomas as an encourager with leadership qualities. The apostles didn't want Jesus to go see Lazarus because he might get killed in the process, which is something they didn't want to happen. In fact, they argued with him. But Jesus not only insists on going to see Lazarus, he tells them he has something to show them. With resistance in the air, Thomas is the one who speaks up and basically tells the doubting disciples, "Come on people, let's support our leader, our teacher...even if we die with Him."
Then in John 14:1-6 Jesus brings up that He is going to a place that they know the way to. Thomas asks the question everyone else was probably thinking. In some ways, he was the spokesman for the group. His question shows his heart was ready to go with Jesus and that he didn't want to miss being with Him. Because of his question we see how Jesus is transitioning everyone from thinking in the physical realm to thinking in the spiritual realm.
With these two episodes in mind, I understand the defensive attitude he exhibited when he thought he missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thankfully, eight days later, Thomas had his request granted. (John 20:26-29)
In closing, here are some other details about Thomas. He hailed from the Galilee and was called the twin, Didymus. Who was he a twin to? No explanation is given. That's one question we have to wait until we get to heaven to hear the answer. Tradition holds that he was a quiet worker in Parthia, Persia, and India. His life ended in martyrdom near Madras at Mount St. Thomas.
The verses where you can read about Thomas are: Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; John 11:7-16, 14:1-6, 20:19-29, 21:1-11; Acts 1:12-14
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