Questions

Jesus and the Twelve were gathered to celebrate the Passover, and Judas had left under mysterious circumstances. Jesus then began to disclose revelations about His life and the future.

He warned about coming events, but also sought to assure them: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” He was going to prepare a place for them. And “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going” (vs. 1-4).

Questions must have flooded the minds of the disciples. What exactly did Jesus mean? Others might have pondered these issues, but it was Thomas who was bold enough to ask a question: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?”

Here and throughout John’s gospel, Thomas appears to be a disciple who could be fearless. He was willing to speak when the others were timid or afraid.

We don’t know what would have happened if Thomas hadn’t asked that question. But his boldness provided the context for Jesus to give a statement that is central to the Gospel: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (v. 6).

The disciples often seemed reluctant to respond when Jesus said something they didn’t understand. Yet Thomas showed a willingness to ask questions. Because he asked, we can learn important insights about Jesus. And, from his example, we can see that Jesus doesn’t get angry or reject us when we ask questions. In fact, these can open the door for life-changing revelations and insights that we would not receive any other way.

Do you have questions about the Bible? Your life? The world? Remember the example of Thomas: Be bold. Don’t hesitate. Ask God for the answers you need.