The Doubt of Thomas 

Basic Info

John 20:24–29

Jesus appears to most of the Apostles one day when Thomas isn’t around. When Thomas gets back, the others tell him that Jesus had been there. He thinks his friends are pulling his leg and says that he won’t believe that Jesus is resurrected until he feels the wounds. A week later, Jesus appears again and makes his wounds available for Thomas’ probing while inviting him to believe. Thomas recognizes and pays homage to Jesus. Jesus pushes him a little further and asks if Thomas believes only because he has seen Jesus’ resurrected body. Jesus then praises those who believe without that advantage. Though some Christian traditions excoriate Thomas for doubting, others celebrate him for wanting to be sure. Thomas is often held up as an example of why seeing (and images) matters to people. The Scriptures warn against false prophets; Thomas wants to be sure he is not being duped. Thomas is the Apostle said to have traveled to India to share Jesus’ story.

Jesus’ invitation to Thomas may be read to conflict with the story a few verses later (John 20:14–17) of Jesus’ telling Mary not to touch him (or perhaps to stop holding him), or it can be read as a distinction between men and women regarding Jesus’ body. Another difference between the two that may be worth exploring is that Mary was quick to accept this man as Jesus; Thomas was not.

What to Look For

• The look on Thomas’s face (guilty for doubting in the first place, awed, reverent, curious, etc.)
• The look on Jesus’ face (compassionate, judging, playful, etc.)
• Whether Thomas is shown in physical contact with the wounds

Questions to Focus a General Interpretation

Does this artwork lean toward applauding Thomas for checking the facts of the story, or does it condemn Thomas for his doubt? 

Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation

In our highly scientific and history-focused times, many people are like Thomas and want to be absolutely sure of the scientific and historical truth of the Bible’s stories. Does the artwork offer you a new perspective on either your own or someone else’s interest in either the historical truth about Jesus or the scientific explanations of what might have occurred?

Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation

What might have been going on in the artist’s time and place that would raise the issue of doubt and faith? Does the artwork seem to have been addressing this contemporary question of doubt?