John 20:24–25

Followeth unto v. 30 Christs appearing to all the Disciples, when Thomas was with them, occasioned chiefly, (as is clear from the sequel) by Thomas his diffidence. The Narration of this appearing may be taken up in five particulars. The first whereof (in these verses) is, the occasion of his appearing at this time; and this is either more remote, That Thomas (of whom we have already heard, chap. 11.16. and 14.5.) was not with them at their last meeting with Christ, being not as yet returned from his lurking place, v. 24. Or more near, That when the rest of the disciples acquaint him, (either having sought him out, or he coming unto them) that they had seen the Lord, he wilfully professeth he will not beleeve, unless he get the sensible satisfaction prescribed by himself, v. 25. for clearing whereof we are to consider, that it was not his sin simply that he desired a sight of Christ; nor yet that he sought that evidence of his pierced, hands & of the hole of his side (which it appeareth was now known to all the disciples, though John only record that he saw it, chap. 19 34, 35.) seeing that was the same evidence which Christ himselfe had given, v. 20. and his desire of this did evidence his affection unto a crucified Christ: But it was his fault, not to beleeve the truth of Christs Resurrection, till he not only saw this, but thrust his hand also into his side, for further satisfaction. Neither was it his sin, that simply he would not hearken to their report, as men, in this matter, seeing that is no sure ground of faith: But it was his sin, that he did not beleeve the Scriptures, which spake of Christs Resurrection, and so did not beleeve them as Gods witnesses, unlesse he got sensible satisfaction. Doct. 1. They may be truly gracious, who yet are very timorous in a trial, and will not recover from their feares so soon as others; for, Thomas, a godly man, was not with them, nor had returned to the society as yet, when the rest had recollected themselves, 2. Negligence in frequenting the society and Assemblies of the people of God, casts men far behinde, and prejudgeth them much; for, But Thomas one of the twelve, called Didymus, (of the signification whereof, see on chap. 11.16.) was not with them when Jesus came, and so he was deprived not only of the good newes which Mary and others brought them, but of that comfortable sight of him also, which they got, and he is left in many snares and doubtings, from which they are delivered. 3. Disciples ought to be communicative in their station, of what they have received; and when their hearts are refreshed with a sweet sight of Christ, they cannot but make it known, as they have a calling and opportunity; for, The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord, which no doubt they told with all the circumstances of it, whereof this was the summe, and that which most affected them, and sluck with them. 4. Christ should be very great in his disciples estimation, and their respects to him should be upon the growing hand; for, now he is still the Lord, v. 2. 13, 18, 20, 28 and ch. 21. 7, 12, 15, 16, &c. which was a stile more rarely given him before. 5. Unbelief is strangely rooted in the hearts of all men, yea, even of godly men and disciples: so that they may frequently fall into that sin, and be very pertinacious in it; for, so much doth Thomas his example teach us, I will not beleeve, saith he. 6. Our carnal hearts know no way, not will admit of any cure of unbelief, unlesse they get all the objects of saith under the view of their senses; for, so is it with Thomas here, he will see, and lest his sight should be deluded, he will touch also, and thrust his hand into his side. 7. It is the great sin and weaknesse of men, when they do not beleeve, unlesse they get satisfaction to their senses, seeing faith is the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11.1. But it is yet a greater sin, and an height of presumption, to be wilful in unbelief, and to be so bold as to say they will not beleeve, upon grounds revealed and afforded by him, unlesse they get their will; which is a limiting of the Holy One of Israel; for, this was Thomas his fault, Except I shall see, &c. I will not beleeve.