Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-08

Thomas by his relation to Jesus
demonstrates the fact that Christianity
is based upon facts, that appeal to rea-
son. Practically all that we know of
his character is found in the passages
from Johns Gospel that has been
chosen for our lesson. An eminent
writer has pointed out that these pas
sages reveal the traits of the apostles
personality with greater precision
than we have of any other member
of the Apostolic College, except Peter,
John and Judas.
The fact that Thomas has been called
a doubter has caused many to mis-
Judge him. They failed to have con-
sidered the vital importance it has been
for the Lord Jesus to have within His
chosen apostles q person whose desire
for knowledge caused him to test the
Masters resurrection. Chronic doubt
ers seldom become devout believers, but
honest doubters are open to conviction"
Jesus understood Thomas and He made
special concessions to him in order that
He could help the apostle to solve his
intellectual doubts. Thomas built up
his faith upon reason in manner that
has aided many modern men tremend-
ously, when they have tried to solve
the problems presented by the claims
Of the Lord Jesus.
Courageous Pessimist.
About two months before the Masters
crucifixion, while Christ was working
in Perea, east of the Jordan, mes
sage reached Him at sBethabara that
Lazarus was seriously Ill. Our Lord saw
in the sorrow that had fallen upon the
members Of the Bethany home an OPP
portunity to build up the faith of the
apostles and render a real service to
those, whom He loved in that home,
where He loved to be. It had been a
place where He found hospitality and
spiritual fellowship. He loved Lazarus
and the two sisters In that home. He
waited for two days before He told the
apostles that He proposed to return to
Bethany to minister unto His friends
there.
Thomas recognized the danger Of the
Masters plan. Jesus had no reason to
fear Herod Antipas, who was the ruler
in Perea The ecclesiastical party did
not control him, but Bethany was close
to Jerusalem, where the prestige and
power of the Sanhodrin might lead TO
the Lords arrest. Just before they had
come into Perea, the Lords claim of
divine sonship had angered the Jewish
leaders to that extent they they started
10 SUOIl6 f11ILl. ELL dBCQ Wy Ills VCdNAA-
ings, they had determined to arrest
Him. Thomas was of pessimistic turn
of mind. In view Of the fact that Jesus
mad told them that Lazarus was dead,
it seemed to him pure madness for the
Lord to return to Bethany. He saw
the peril that they all faced, but
Thomas proved his love and loyalty,
when he courageously urged them all
to join the Lord in His plans, believing
that it would cost every one OF them
their lives. Although he was peSSi-
mistic as to the value of the trip, for
he did not know the Masters program
or motives, Thomas demonstrated his
loyalty and fidelity when he willingly
faced death. The dreams of the king
dom appeared to him to be gone. Their
hopes to see the Roman Government
driven out of Palestine appeared blasted.
In face of it all he showed courage
Gus spirit and loyalty to the Lord.
The Cautious Investigator.
In the upper room, where Jesus had
partaken of the Passover and instituted
the Lords supper, the Master tried TO
prepare His apostles for His rapidly APP
preaching death. Facing that dark
hour Thomas was puzzled. He could
not grasp the idea Of Jesus suffering
and he voices a common question, that
naturally arises, when all of our ma
teralistic hopes are blasted by the sud-
den appearance of death. He wanted
some definite assurance that 0eathsdid
not end all. We may wish that he had
not interrupted the Master, who had
stated that they understood how He
was going TO the Father by the way of
death and the resurrection, Thomas
with bluntness expressed the attitude
of the apostles, when he told Jesus that
they did not know the way and asked
Him for more light.
Thomas by his question revealed
that he was a cautious seeker for
knowledge. It furnished the Master
an opportunity to give a spiritual and
profound Interpretation of his words,
81 am the way. and the truth, and
the life; no one cometh unto the
Father but by me-" 1t brought Thomas
back to the foundation Of Christianity,
which differs from all other faiths In
that It rises or falls in the character
Of its Founder, It Is not q method,