Lifting the Fog From Doubting Thomas: Part 2-Conditional Thomas

Update: I have struggled to write Part 2 of this series. My goal for the series was to vindicate Thomas, to lift the fog around his disparaging nickname. I asked God for clarity. What am I to share about Thomas?

After He redirected me, I realized that my study of Thomas identified many facets of his life. This has led me from a two-part series to a mini-series about Thomas. In Part 1, I examined characteristics of Thomas other than doubt, such as courageous and loyal disciple, prayer warrior, and strong laborer. What else can we learn about Thomas?

Rollercoasters and Promises to God

In the summer of 1975, my family visited Kings Dominion shortly after it opened. My mother and I rode KD’s signature wooden rollercoaster, sitting shoulder to shoulder. It was the inaugural rollercoaster ride for both of us. When we got off, she told me that she promised God that if He allowed her to survive the ride, she would never ride another roller coaster again.

Thomas, too, issued a conditional statement to God when he heard about Jesus’ return. He said,

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25 NRSVUE)

He expressed what some scholars identified as conditional faith.

Summary of John 20:19-29

The disciples hid from the Jews in a locked room after Jesus’ crucifixion. The same day that witnesses saw the empty tomb and met Jesus, Jesus appeared in that upper room and showed them His wounds. He again commissioned them to do His work. But Thomas was absent from the group that day.

A week later Thomas was with the group in the room, and Jesus again appeared. He invited Thomas to touch him. Thomas decided he did not need to touch, but faithfully proclaimed that Jesus was Jesus.

Conditional Faith

Thomas had been with Jesus and heard Him speak of his death and resurrection. Thomas had seen Jesus raise the dead. Yet, when hearing of Jesus’ own rising from the dead, he did something many of us have done—demanded proof from God. Thomas asked for a sign to support his faith.

Let’s examine v 25 from an IF/THEN perspective.

If I do not see and touch the marks on his hands and side, then I will not believe.
If I see and touch the marks on his hands and side, then I will believe.

Thomas imposed on God conditions on which he would believe. He demanded from God tangible proof of the resurrection before he believed.

Our Demands on God

Have you acted like Thomas, asking God to prove Himself to you? Have you imposed conditions on God? “Of course not,” you might say, but have you ever prayed: “God, if you do this, then I will do that?”

• God, if you show me a sign, then I will believe you exist.
• God, if you let me win the lottery, then I will contribute a tenth to church.
• God, if you get me out of this situation, then I will praise Your name forever.
• God, if you give me that job (car, house, spouse), then I will tell the world about You.
• God, if you heal my mother (father, spouse, child, me), then I will be forever grateful.

You can fill in the blank with whatever promise you made to God if only He would do your will. You are saying to God, “I will only believe, trust, honor, praise, and respect You when You give me what I want.” You are limiting your relationship with God by forgetting who the Master is.

God is Enough

Ultimately, Thomas did not need to touch Jesus to believe. Jesus’ mere presence was enough for Thomas to cry out, “My Lord and my God!” (v 28).

God deserves your worship simply because. As the Master, God has given you a simple condition—obey His commandments and He will keep you. See how that goes; God gives us conditions, not the reverse. Conditional faith is limiting faith. If ever you find yourself issuing conditions to God, remember Ephesians 3:20-21:

“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (NRVSUE—emphasis added)

You cannot limit the great “I am.”

Reflection

The next time you are tempted to impose conditions on God, pray for unconditional faith.

Dear God, I want unconditional faith. I do believe, but I pray You help me overcome my unbelief. Please remove the doubt that requires proof from You and replace it with unwavering trust in You. Lord, I love you and desire you in my life. Amen.

Lifting the Fog from Doubting Thomas, Part 1: Who Was Thomas