CHRIST APPEARS TO THE DISCIPLES WHEN THOMAS IS PRESENT. Read S. John xx. 26-29. I. After eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Ib. 26. Eight days in unbelief! If any rise from such a state, it is of the alone mercy of God. He sought one poor sinner, but in the sight of the others, that he might confess his fault be fore them, and give them joy. Eph. ii. 4-8. II. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut. Ib. Yet it was with closed doors; the brethren might know his fault, but not the world without. Am I careful of the reputation of others, and tender to them? Do I close the door of my lips, lest I wound a brother? Gal. vi. 1. III. And stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Ib. There alone is peace where Jesus is in the midst; where He is the centre of all our hopes, our thoughts, our words, our works; there is joy, and there peace. Do I seek it, do I find it in Him? S. John xvi. 33. Text. He is our peace. Eph. ii. 14. THE WORDS OF CHRIST AND THOMAS. Read S. John xx. 27, &c. I. Then saith He to Thomas. Ib. He turns to one only, and speaks to him. He was the greater and persevering offender. His, therefore, was the greatest necessity. True sons of God thus in charity deal with those that have trespassed against them. Do I? S. Matt. v. 44, 45. II. Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands.. be not faithless, but believing. Ib. Thus Christ proved Himself God, and present when Thomas had refused his belief. Had he weighed that presence (Eccles. v. 2, and see p. 177), then he would have spoken more circumspectly. Christ in meekness and mercy reproves him, and with the reproof instructs him. III. Thomas said... My Lord and my God. Ib. 28. How few, how full his words of confession! Sorrow and love fill his heart; his Lord whom he fears, his God whom he loves, is now acknowledged. Is he my Lord and my God? How do I prove this my confession? Mal. i. 6. Text. 1 am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Is. xliii. 3. CHRIST APPEARS AT THE SEA OF TIBERIAS. Read S. John xxi. 1-5. I. Simon Peter saith. I go a fishing. They say.. We also go with thee. Ib. 3. What simple union with each other, consideration for each other! In all my dealings with others, how do I act? If leading them, do I seek their good; if following, do I consent cheerfully? Ps. cxxxiii. 1. II. That night they caught nothing. Ib. And well God ordered this fruitlessness, that they might know that in the strength of their Lord only could they prosper. Have I learnt His all-sufficiency, and my own nothingness. Ps. cxxvii. 1, 2. III. When the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore. Ib. 4. But they knew Him not. We, like they, fish in the waters of this life, but too often for honour, pleasure, &c. What have I gained? Nothing real! To Thee I confess it, O Lord! Except in Thee and by Thee there is no good. Rom. vi. 21. Text. Without Me ye can do nothing. S. John XV. 5. 1. CHRIST DISCOVERS HIMSELF TO THE DISCIPLES. Read S. John xxi. 6-9. I. Cast the net on the right side of the ship. And now they were not able to draw it. Ib. The Lord commanded, and though scarcely known to them, they obeyed, and prospered. By His power He prepared His creatures for them. Do I cultivate an obedient spirit? Do I trust myself or the Lord for success? 1 Cor. iii. 6. II. It is the Lord. Ib. 7. The disciple whom Jesus loved first knew His was a pure, a loving, a fervent He saw God, and led his brother to see Him. S. John xiv. 21; 1 S. John i. 3. Him. spirit. III. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he cast himself into the sea. Ib. Such was his fervour and his fearlessness; let me compare with it my own slothfulness towards my Lord. Let me no longer delay. Peter ventured, and sunk not; nor shall I if I trust in Him. Ps. xxii. 4, 5. Text. The hand of the Lord shall be known towards His servants. Is. lxvi. 14. For thoughts on the Gospel of the day, see pp. 189, 204. THEY PARTAKE OF THE FOOD HE PREPARED. Read S. John xxi. 9-14. I. As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals.. and fish.. and bread. Ib. 9. Even in His risen body He ministered to them as a servant. Shall I decline such offices. who am but dust? prepared of Christ. acknowledge Him. All was ready, for it was In all that I have I will zel II. Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Ib. 10. Fish were already prepared, yet Christ would have them complete their toil, and see His work. In such a spirit should I labour, and give thanks to Him. Ps. ciii. 1, 2. III. Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. Ib. 12. It was a kind and benevolent invitation then, but it spake of a better one to which I too most unworthily am invited. Have I in heart accepted it; am I in diligence preparing for it? It is His will, He has prepared it for me. Luke xxii. 30; Rev. iii. 20. Text. S. I am among you as he that serveth. S. Luke xxii. 27. ཨ |