THOMAS, THE APOSTLE – A “DOUBTING” MARTYR

Thomas, one of the apostles of the LORD Jesus, had come to India, in 52 AD, according to the Christian tradition. He ministered in South India, for twenty years, and established seven churches. He was martyred in 72 AD, when he was speared to his death, at Mylapore, near Chennai, on this day, the 3rd July. Other church traditions celebrate it on a couple of other dates.

Thomas, the apostle, is known more famously as, the “Doubting” Thomas, because he said, 
– “25…’Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'” – John 20:25

What can we learn from the life of Thomas, the disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ? Even though Thomas expressed his doubts, yet, his life was spent serving His Master, faithfully. When Jesus invites the “doubting” Thomas, to check for himself, the wounds, Thomas declares a profound truth, that he firmly believed the rest of his life.
– “26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:26-28
“For a Jew to call another human associate ‘my Lord and my God’ would be almost incredible….Thomas, in the light of the Resurrection, applied to Jesus the titles of Lord (kyrios) and God (theos), both of which were titles of deity.”* – Merril C. Tenney

The transformed Thomas, travelled far and wide, preaching the gospel of his risen Saviour. He was willing to even pay the price, for following His LORD, with his very life. Thomas never turned back in his convictions, neither did he disown His Master and Redeemer. The admonition of His Master, goaded Thomas to burn with an unquenchable fire, for the LORD Jesus Christ.
– “29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29

How about us? How are we going about our lives? What place does our LORD and Saviour have in our lives? Would we be willing to, even lay down our lives, if required, for our Master and Redeemer? May the LORD grant us His grace, to live for Him, and Him alone, at all times, and in all circumstances. Even so, the LORD help us.