690
The Desire of Ages
literal earthly kingdom. And it wounded his vanity to think that his
Master should reveal Himself to all the disciples except him. He was
determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his
wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope
and faith of his brethren.
During this time he repeatedly declared, “Except I shall see in His
hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the
nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” He would
not see through the eyes of his brethren, or exercise faith which was
dependent upon their testimony. He ardently loved his Lord, but he
had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and
heart.
A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber
their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here.
One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others. Notwith-
standing his unbelief, he had a faint hope that the good news was true.
While the disciples were taking their evening meal, they talked of the
evidences 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.”
Turning to Thomas He 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 was
acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting
disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week.
They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized
the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof.
His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying,
“My Lord and my God.”
Jesus accepted his acknowledgment, but gently reproved his unbe-
lief: “Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” The faith of Thomas
would have been more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to
believe upon the testimony of his brethren. Should the world now
follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation;
for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.
Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that
if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions,