John 20:24 – “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse introduces Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, at a key moment after the resurrection. While the other disciples were gathered in a locked room on the evening of Resurrection Sunday, Jesus had appeared to them (John 20:19-23). However, Thomas was absent and missed this incredible encounter.

We aren’t told why Thomas was not there. Was he grieving alone? Was he afraid to gather with the others? We don’t know. But because he wasn’t there, he missed seeing Jesus alive, and this would lead to the famous moment when he doubted his fellow disciples’ testimony (John 20:25).

Thomas is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas” because of what happens next. But it’s important to recognize that Thomas was a deeply committed follower of Jesus. Earlier in John 11:16, when Jesus planned to go back to Judea—where religious leaders wanted to kill Him—Thomas boldly said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” He was willing to follow Jesus, even into danger.

His absence in this moment teaches us something valuable—when we distance ourselves from Christian community, we can miss out on powerful encounters with Jesus.

Historical Context

At this point, Jesus had already risen from the dead, and reports of His resurrection were spreading. The women at the tomb had seen Him (John 20:11-18), and now the disciples had seen Him too.

However, the Jewish authorities were still a threat. The disciples were hiding behind locked doors out of fear, uncertain about what would happen next. This was a tense and emotional time for them.

In Jewish culture, testimony was extremely important. The Law required multiple witnesses for something to be established as true (Deuteronomy 19:15). The other disciples had already seen Jesus, but because Thomas had not yet witnessed Him personally, he struggled to believe.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights some important spiritual truths:

1. Faith is often strengthened in community. Thomas was absent when Jesus appeared, and as a result, he struggled with doubt. This reminds us that being part of a Christian community is important for growing in faith.
2. God meets people in their doubts. Even though Thomas doubted, Jesus didn’t reject him. Instead, He later gave him the proof he needed (John 20:27).
3. Seeing Jesus changes everything. Once Thomas saw Jesus, he immediately believed and declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

This passage is also an encouragement to those who struggle with faith. Thomas wasn’t condemned for his doubts—Jesus met him where he was and brought him to belief.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often highlights individual encounters with Jesus, and Thomas’ story is one of them.

• “Now Thomas (also known as Didymus)” – The name Didymus means “twin” in Greek. Some speculate that he may have had a twin sibling, but Scripture does not say. His name emphasizes that he was a real person, not just a symbolic figure.
• “One of the Twelve” – Even though Thomas doubted, he was still counted among Jesus’ disciples. This reminds us that struggles with faith do not exclude someone from being a follower of Christ.
• “Was not with the disciples when Jesus came” – His absence is significant. Had he been there, he might have believed immediately. Instead, his absence led to doubt, but also to a powerful personal encounter with Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 11:16 – Thomas boldly declares that he is willing to die with Jesus.
• John 14:5-6 – Thomas asks Jesus a question, prompting Jesus to say, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
• John 20:25-28 – Thomas refuses to believe until he sees Jesus’ wounds, but when Jesus appears again, Thomas believes fully.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – The importance of gathering together as believers for encouragement and faith.
• Jude 1:22 – “Be merciful to those who doubt.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Thomas’ story reminds us of the importance of staying connected to other believers.

• Doubt can grow when we isolate ourselves. Thomas missed Jesus’ first appearance because he wasn’t with the group. When we distance ourselves from Christian fellowship, we risk missing moments when Jesus reveals Himself in powerful ways.
• God is patient with our struggles. Jesus didn’t reject Thomas for doubting—He gave him what he needed to believe. If we have honest doubts, we can bring them to Jesus, and He will meet us with grace.
• Our faith is not meant to be based only on what we see. Jesus later says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Our faith is built on the testimony of those who walked with Jesus, recorded in Scripture for us today.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown through how He deals with Thomas. He doesn’t ignore or shame him—He meets him personally. This shows us that:

1. God understands our weaknesses. He knows that faith isn’t always easy, and He patiently works with us.
2. God pursues those who struggle. Thomas didn’t go looking for Jesus—Jesus came to Him.
3. God welcomes honest questions. Thomas wasn’t pretending to believe something he didn’t understand. When we have doubts, we can bring them to God, and He will reveal Himself in His perfect timing.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Thomas’ doubt and later belief point us back to Jesus in several ways:

1. Jesus is alive. The whole reason this story matters is that Jesus really rose from the dead. His resurrection is what changed Thomas’ doubt into faith.
2. Jesus meets people where they are. He didn’t demand blind faith—He provided the evidence Thomas needed.
3. Jesus calls for faith beyond sight. Thomas got to see Jesus, but Jesus made it clear that true faith is believing without seeing (John 20:29).

Other related passages:

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
• 1 Peter 1:8-9 – We love Jesus even though we have not seen Him.
• Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples?
2. How do you relate to Thomas’ struggle with doubt? Have you ever had moments where you needed reassurance in your faith?
3. What does this verse teach about the importance of being part of a Christian community?
4. How do you think Thomas’ doubt ultimately strengthened his faith?
5. Jesus later said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” How does that challenge your own faith?

Thomas’ story reminds us that faith is not always instant, and doubts do not disqualify us. The key is to bring those doubts to Jesus rather than staying distant. He is always willing to reveal Himself to those who seek Him with an honest heart.