Was Thomas an Empath?

The story of Lazarus’ death in John 11 is poignant.  Reading this chapter, you find that John makes it a point to emphasize the love that existed among Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and the disciples.  And so, it seems out of place that Jesus would hear of Lazarus’ illness and not drop everything and head for Bethany.  After two days, Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus is dead. 

John only records the reaction of one of them in the group – Thomas.  His reaction is, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” I’ve always considered Thomas to be a doubting pessimist based on the few incidents recorded about him in Scripture, including this one.  Now I’m beginning to change my mind.  I think that perhaps Thomas was a very empathetic person.  It may be that his statement reflected the collective despair of all twelve disciples.  In this case, he was the spokesman for them all.
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And looking at his statement from eternity, I think he was reflecting the heart of Jesus in this instance.  When Adam and Eve sinned and death began its morbid reign, God the Son, Jesus, said to God the Father, “Let me go down and die with them.”