John 20:26

The second particular in this Narration is, Christs appearing to them again after a week, when Thomas is met with them, and that after the former manner, and with the former salutation. Whence learn, 1. This appearing of Christ among them is said to be, after eight dayes, not eight dayes after Thomas his professed unbelief, (though it is like the disciples had told him the good newes speedily) but after his former appearing, v. 19. and upon the first day of the next week. And he did then appear unto them, not only because it was their usual meeting-day, or to try the faith of the rest, by Thomas his continuing in doubting and unbelief. But chiefly, to teach us, That however the Lord will help and cure the unbelief of his own, yet when they are wilful and peremptory in it, it is righteous with him, to let them lie under it for a time, till they feel the evil and bitternesse of it, and till they see their deserving to be given up to it, that so they may magnifie his mercy who cometh over it; Therefore doth Thomas meet with this correction, that he seeth not Christ till after eight dayes, and so had a sad week of it. 2. The people of God ought not to forsake their mutual societies and assembling of themselves together, but they should continue therein, as they expect the renewed presence of Christ with them; for, it is, when again his disciples were within, that Jesus came, the doores being shut, and stood in the midst. 3. Whatever be the failings or unbelief of Saints: yet it is commendable in them to be amending their other known faults and neglects: And there is still hope of their case, so long as they use the means whereby they may be cured of their unbelief, and do not, with their unbelief, quit the use of means also; for, it is here marked, that in this meeting, Thomas was with them, though yet doubting: wherein appears, that being sensible of his former losse, he keeps the society and meetings of the disciples, to see what clearing he might finde; And so not only amended his former fault, (which yet is most rare to see) but waits on in the use of appointed means. 4. It is the duty of Christs followers, not to lose or cast off any, though weak and unbelieving, so long as they can get them along with them in any duty, and so long as there is any hope of their amendment, and being reclaimed; for, so it was commendable on the disciples part, that Thomas was with them, and they had not cast him off. Where this condescendence is wanting, many may be lost who otherwise would be recovered. 5. Christ will not be wanting to come over the infirmities of his own to do them good; and he can make good use of their worst things, and is so willing to manifest himself, that he will let no opportunity of it slip; for, he makes use, even of Thomas doubting, as an occasion of appearing over again, as is clear from the whole tenour of this Narration, both what precedes, and what followeth. 6. Christ is not changeable in his love and allowance of peace to his people, but is yesterday, and to day, the same for ever; Therefore, over again doth he repeat his salutation, and said, Peace be unto you.