St Thomas doubts Christ (John 20:19-29)

The famous story of St Thomas doubting Christ is found at the end of St John’s Gospel. It tells of how the apostle demanded physical proof that Christ really had risen from the dead. His scepticism about the Resurrection led to him becoming known as ‘Doubting Thomas’.

St Thomas had previously been present at the Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:16). Despite witnessing that miracle, he refused to believe his fellow apostles when they reported that they had seen Christ alive. So eight days after his Resurrection, Christ made a special appearance to convince his hesitant disciple.

As Pope St John Paul II explained: “In Saint John’s Gospel this is the second appearance of Jesus to the disciples assembled as a group. After the first appearance, their exhilaration at seeing Jesus was so great that, when they met Thomas afterwards, they could not resist exclaiming: “We have seen the Lord!”. But Thomas would not accept their witness: “I will never believe it without probing the nail-prints in his hands, without putting my finger in the nail marks and my hand into his side”.”

He went on: “Perhaps it is easy for us to judge Thomas too harshly for his disbelief. After all, do we not often use the expression, “seeing is believing”? Does not our age tend to believe only what can be proved by the senses? Does not modern man remain incredulous of what he cannot see or touch or hear?”

According to the gospel, the decisive proof that St Thomas was looking for was provided in a house where the disciples were hiding. Despite the doors being locked, Christ came and stood among them, saying “Peace be with you” (John 20:26).

The pope commented: “Jesus understands Thomas and the reasons for his doubts. When he meets Thomas, Jesus immediately says to him: “Take your fingers and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe”. So overwhelmed is Thomas by the Lord’s gentleness, compassion and patience that he can barely utter in humble recognition: “My Lord and my God!”. Yes, this truly was the Lord, transformed by the Resurrection, and fully alive.”

The story holds a significant place in Christian theology and art, as it symbolises the tension between faith and doubt. Pope St Gregory the Great argued that St Thomas’ unbelief was not a matter of chance. Rather, he said, it was permitted for the benefit of believers, that their faith in the Resurrection of Christ might be strengthened (Homily 26:7 on the Gospels).

This stained glass window is found within St Teresa’s church, Beaconsfield. Produced in 1944 by Joseph E. Nuttgens, it memorialises an RAF airman named Thomas who died during the war. It pictures St Thomas reaching out to touch Christ’s wounds and includes his expression of faith in a banner.

The Latin phrase around the edge of the window is a line taken from the Apostles’ Creed. It refers to Christ’s descent to the dead and then his resurrection three days later. Between the words, look out for the try square, which is the traditional symbol of St Thomas.

See the full image:

Detail of Christ and St Thomas:

Where to find this work of art
St Teresa’s, Beaconsfield

Read the relevant passage
John 20:19-29

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: The story of Doubting Thomas finds a parallel with that of ‘Sceptical Sarah’, who doubted God’s assurance that she could bear a child in old age.
• From the New Testament: St Thomas had been present at the Resurrection of Lazarus, which makes his doubt about Christ’s return to life all the more surprising.