A German was the guest of a Frenchman who asked him how they distinguished between an optimist and a pessimist in Germany. “It is very simple,” replied the German. “The optimists are learning English and the pessimists are learning Russian!” Thomas would be learning Russian! One person has described a pessimist as someone who burns his bridges behind him and then crosses them before he gets to them. Another claims a pessimist is one who, of two evils, chooses them both! That may well describe Thomas.

To Thomas, the cross was only what he had expected. When Jesus had suggested going to Bethany, when the news of the illness of Lazarus had come, Thomas’ reaction had been: “Let us also go, that we may die with him (John 11:16).”

Thomas never lacked courage, but Thomas was a natural pessimist…