John 11:16 - Loyal Thomas

When someone is skeptical, they may be labeled a "Doubting Thomas." The label refers to Thomas, the disciple of Jesus. He said he wouldn't believe his Master was raised from the dead until he himself put his finger in the wounds left over from the crucifixion. (John 20:25-29)

But there's more to Thomas than doubting...

Long before they convinced the Romans to crucify Jesus, the Jews themselves tried to stone Him to death. (John 8:59; 10:31) Jesus explained to His disciples that one day, the Jews would succeed. He would voluntarily suffer, be killed, and come back to life after three days. Peter's reaction was understandable. He pulled Jesus aside privately and told him, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” (John 10:18; Matthew 16:21-22, New American Standard, 1995) Jesus rebuked him for not going along with God's plan.

As the time came closer for His entry into Jerusalem (a.k.a. "Palm Sunday"), Jesus announced to His disciples that he was heading to Judea. They didn't know that Jesus would first raise Lazarus from the dead, bringing opposition to a head. (See Matthew 23:37; John 14:47-53.) But the disciples knew enough to object:
“...'Rabbi,' they said, 'only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?'” (John 11:8, New Living Translation, 2015)

And here's where we come back to Thomas. The disciple's usual spokesman, Peter, said nothing at this point. But Thomas took the lead and, “said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.'” (John 11:16, NASB95) 

The Bible never calls him "Doubting Thomas," so why not call him "Courageous Thomas" or "Loyal Thomas?"

Lord, If we are going to find labels for people, help us to find the positive things in their life for which they are known. And when we're tempted to back off from following Jesus' example of self-sacrifice, give us the determination of Loyal Thomas to stay with Him whatever the cost. Amen.