In the Upper Chamber
155
The upper chamber was the home of a number of the disciples, and
every evening they all assembled in this place. On a certain evening
Thomas decided to meet with his brethren; for notwithstanding his
unbelief, he cherished a faint hope, unacknowledged to himself, that
the good news was true. While the disciples were partaking of their
usual meal, and meanwhile canvassing the evidences of the truth of
their faith which Christ had given them in the prophecies, “then came
Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be
unto you.”
[221]
He then reproved the unbelieving who had not received the testi-
mony of those who had seen him, and, turning to Thomas, said, “Reach
hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and
thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.” These words
showed that he had read the thoughts and words of Thomas. The
doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for
a week, and therefore could not have told the Master of his stubborn
unbelief. He recognized the person before him as his Lord who had
been crucified; he had no desire for farther proof; his heart leaped for
joy as he realized that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead. He cast
himself at the feet of his Master in deep affection and devotion, crying,
“My Lord and my God.”
Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but mildly rebuked him for
his unbelief: “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou has believed;
blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Jesus here
showed Thomas that his faith would have been more acceptable to him
if he had believed the evidence of his brethren, and had not refused to
believe until he had seen Jesus with his own eyes. If the world should
follow this example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation;
for all who now receive Christ do so through the testimony of others.
Many who have a weak and wavering faith, reason that if they
had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions they would
not doubt as he did. They do not realize that they have not only that
evidence, but additional testimony piled up about them on every side.
[222]
Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, may
never realize their desire as he did, but gradually become entrenched
in their unbelief, until they cannot perceive the weight of evidence in
favor of Jesus, and, like the skeptical Jews, what little light they have
will go out in the darkness which closes around their minds. To reject