What's Next?Sample

What’s Next: Thinking Beyond our Doubts 

“Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” — John 20:28

People know the disciple Thomas as the man in the Bible who doubted. Did he ask some skeptical questions and even doubt? Sure. But despite his doubt, Thomas lived with other important characteristics that led to surprisingly great influence.

The story that leads to Thomas’ nickname as the doubter is found in John 20:19-29. A careful look at this passage can help you, as a missions-minded person, find answers to the big question: “What's Next?”

Why were the disciples gathered with the doors locked? Was Thomas with them? How much later did Jesus appear to Thomas? What answers did Thomas seek? We can learn a great deal from Thomas’ story. Are you ready?

Beyond his Doubts: Thomas the Courageous

Before his conversation with Thomas, Jesus appeared to the rest of the disciples who were holed up in a home and full of fear. Verse 19 says, “…when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came…” Who wasn’t locked in that room with the disciples out of fear? Thomas.

Thomas lived courageously. In fact, in John 11 — the story of Lazarus — John shares how Jesus faced danger and possible death. Thomas responded in verse 16, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

Courage isn’t the lack of fear, it’s moving forward with faith regardless of fear. Thomas lived courageously.

A life headed toward missions requires courage.

Beyond his Doubts: Thomas the Patient 

After Thomas heard the disciples’ account of the resurrection, he said in John 20:25, “Unless I see the nail marks … I will not believe.” Jesus then appeared to Thomas a week later.

A week may be a short amount of time if that’s how long you have until taxes are due, but for Thomas, I believe it seemed much longer. Though Thomas served close to Jesus as one of the 12 disciples, Jesus took a week to reconnect with him. A week!

John doesn’t record stories of Thomas frantically searching for Jesus, but instead explains how he stayed connected with the disciples to wait for Jesus. Thomas lived patiently.

On your missions-focused journey, you likely will not see quick results or a smooth path toward your desired goals. 

A life headed toward missions requires patience.

Beyond his Doubts: Thomas the Curious

Jesus literally rose from the dead. The disciples who met together, without Thomas, saw Jesus’ hands and side before they indicated their belief (John 20:20). This is human! Consider this:  what if Thomas, wanting to see and touch Jesus, actually expressed a reasonable skepticism in the context of his situation? 

Curiosity and questions about people, culture and your surroundings will provide endless opportunities for growth and a healthy foundation for influence on your mission's journey.

A life headed toward missions requires curiosity.

Beyond his Doubts: Thomas the Missionary 

Scripture doesn’t record much more from the life of Thomas; however, most church historians believe that Thomas later went on a mission toward the east, reaching present-day India. He needed to tell people about the resurrected Messiah!

If this is true, then Thomas took the Gospel farther than any known person mentioned in the Bible! Yet, he’s known simply as a doubter.

How could one get so far on land and sea without the modern transportation or communication tools available today? Perhaps his courage in the midst of the unknown, patience in the midst of an extremely long journey, and a wise curiosity guided his mission.

On your mission's journey, may you serve with great courage, incredible patience, and the overwhelming curiosity that helps you fulfill your calling.

We want to thank Matt Wilkie, Senior Director with Convoy of Hope Field Teams for contributing this day's plan content.