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The Peep of Day

Chapter 50: LESSON XLVII. THOMAS. John, xx. 24 to end.
By Favell Lee Mortimer
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About This Book

A series of short, didactic lessons for children explains basic Christian beliefs and moral duties in simple language. Early chapters describe the body, soul, parental care, and the roles of angels, then move into compact retellings of scripture episodes from creation and the fall to the life and ministry of Jesus, including miracles, teachings, the Last Supper, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Each lesson pairs plain theological explanation with practical instruction in prayer, conduct, and gratitude, and closes with reflections on judgment and eternal consequences intended to cultivate piety and obedience.

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.

Jesus quite forgave Thomas for what he had said, because Thomas really loved Jesus.

And can the Lord be risen?
The doubting Thomas said;
And has he broke the prison
Where lately he was laid?
Unless I feel, unless I see,
I never can believe ’tis he.
Come, feel these wounded places,
To Thomas Jesus said;
Come see the certain traces
Of blood that I have shed.
Behold, I stand before your eye,
Oh! do you now believe ’tis I?
My Lord, thou art living,
And cloth’d in white array,
The Holy Spirit giving
To all who humbly pray:
And though I neither feel nor see,
I still believe that thou art he.