LESSON XLVII.
THOMAS.
John, xx. 24 to end.
You have heard how the disciples saw Jesus in the evening. One of the disciples was not there when Jesus came. His name was Thomas. I do not know why he was not there.
When the disciples saw Thomas next, they said to him, We have seen Jesus. On Sunday night we saw him. He came into the room as we were sitting together, and he spoke to us. We are sure it was Jesus himself, because he showed us the marks of the nails in his hands and feet, and the hole in his side where the spear went in.
But Thomas would not believe the disciples. He said, I do not think you saw Jesus himself. He died upon the cross. I never will believe, except I put my fingers into the marks of the nails, and put my hand into the hole in his side.
It was very wrong of Thomas to speak in this way. He should have remembered that Jesus had promised to be alive again.
Jesus heard Thomas speak, though Thomas could not see him. But Jesus was always with the disciples and heard all they said, because he is God.
Next Sunday evening the disciples were in a room together. Thomas was there too. The doors were locked to keep the wicked people out; but the disciples knew that Jesus could come in. And he did come. They saw him standing in the middle of the room. He spoke kindly to them, and said, Peace be unto you!
Then he spoke to Thomas. Come, said he to Thomas, here are my hands; put your finger in the marks: and here is the hole in my side; put your hand in it.
Now Thomas knew that Jesus had heard him speak so naughtily, and he felt ashamed and sorry. He saw it was Jesus himself, and he cried out, My Lord and my God!
Then Jesus said to Thomas, Now you have seen, you believe. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.