When we hear the name Thomas, as in the disciple, the first thought that comes to mind is usually "Doubting Thomas," because he doubted the testimonies of the people having seen the resurrected Jesus.
However, there is one instance where he stands out as a shining example of loyalty to Jesus. It's a detail that can easily get lost as we read anticipating Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Reading John 11:6-16 (NIV)
So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?"
Stop there a moment. Jesus is returning to a place where they tried to kill him. Not put him in jail, but gather a crowd around him and stone him to death. The impact of this threat is so thick in their minds that they question Jesus about that, rather than think about Lazarus. Let's continue,
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world's light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light."
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up."
His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
I don't think it is too far fetched to think the disciples are still trying to find a way out of going to Judea. That is one trip they don't want to make.
So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
And now, here it comes.
Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
One in the group is willing to put his life on the line just to go where Jesus is going.
In the biker community we talk about loyalty. Does a friend get any more loyal than that?
Are we willing to do the same for Jesus?
