The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1886-11-06
INTERNATIONAL LESSONS.
by REV. F. b. HAReREAvEs.

Lesson5. November 7th.
THOMAS CONVINCED
John 90, 1881. Golden Text, John
20, %. Time, Sunday, April 8, and
Sunday l6, A. ID. 80. Place, room in
Jerusalem.
The Lord had risen from the dead.
Already ON this eventful Sunday He
had appeared four times, first to Mary
Magdalene; then to the woman who
accompanied her to the sepulchre meet
ing them on their return; then He APP
peared to Peter alone; and afterwards to
the two disciple who were on their way
to Emmaus. 1t was now evening, and
the disciples, with the exception of
Thomas, were gathered in room at
Jerusalem. The doors were securely
fastened so as to prevent intrusion, and
also as means of protection in tn, g.
stormy times. Suddenly the Master was
in the room, amongst His disciples. The
method of His entrance is not given, but
as He salutcs the disciples with. "Pease
HIS hands and side, which had been
pierced, and when they thus fully recog-
nized their Lord and Master they were
glud. Here was a positive proof that it
was the indentical person who had been
crucified as Jesus, the King of the Jews.
The evidence clustered about His death
and burial leaves no doubt as to His
resurrection; and the proof herein given
leaves no doubt that this was actually
the same person who had died. been
buried and risen again. 1t was the
Christ. The proof was sufficient for the
disciples, who were conversant with all
the facts at the time. Jesus then COM
missions them to go out into the world
and preach the gospel. He "breathed
on them, and saith unto them, Receive
ye the Holy Ghost" and thus commiss-
ioned He sends them forth.
1t was just one week later that the
disciples were gathered in the same room,
and this time Thomas was with them,
Doubtless he had been told of all thar
had occurred. Now Thomas was Of
Nkeptical nature; he was an enquirer. an
earnest seeker after truth, but he required
proofs before he could go as far as his
comrades i'll accepting truth. He is a
type OF many amongst us to day; men
who require Il logical statement of facts
and who do not rely as much on the
emotional nature as others often do.
Thomas had said that he would believe
when he could himself see and feel the
tangible evidences that this was the risen
Christ. 1t is significant that the dis
ciples were in the same room this second
sunday, thus early assembling themselves
together on this day; and it is equally
significant that Jesus honored them in
its observance. He appeared amongst
them this second Sunday evening, and
at once toldrhomas to thrust his hand in
His side and be convinced. AND the
doubter cried ont, "My Lord and my
Coo" in the fullness ofhis belief. While
Christ accepts his faith, He says that he
is blessed indeed who believes without
requiring such positive and tangible
proof.
This narrative closes with the state
ment that these things are written that
men might lelieve that Jesus is the Son
of God, and that so believing, they may
have eternal life. The evidence, as al
ready stated, is absolutely conclusive.
ami should be sufficient to convince the
world.
LESSON THOUGHTS.
2. Has Christ commissioned you to
work?
3. Do not omit the assembling ofyour
selves together. Christ meets with His
people.
4. Let your faith find expression in
works.