May 7

Reach hither thy fingers, and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.—John 20:27.

AFTER Christ's resurrection, he manifested himself to the women and to the disciples on several occasions, Thomas however, had been absent, and he refused to credit the statement of those who had seen the Saviour, and declared, that in no wise would he be convinced, unless he put his finger into the print of the nails, and thrust his hand into his side. After eight days, that is, on the succeeding first day of the week, the disciples were again assembled, and Thomas was among them, when

Jesus stood in the midst of them, and having said, "Peace be unto you," he turned to Thomas, and said, "Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands, and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing." In Christ's wounded hands and side, we are clearly taught the reality and identity of Christ's resurrection. The Saviour retained the striking marks of ignominy and suffering, which he had received on Calvary. Here were the very prints of the nails still open and unhealed. Here was the passage in his side, which had been formed by the soldier's spear. Hence it is obvious, that it was the identical body, which had expired upon the cross. In Christ's exhibiting himself to Thomas, we perceive too, that the Messiah is not ashamed of his wounds. These are indeed, Immanuel's scars of honor. And the glories obtained by these, shall fill heaven with renown, and eternity with his praise. Myriads of lofty spirits now gaze with ineffable delight upon Messiah's form, as he appears on the throne, "As the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." And myriads more shall join in the heavenly song, Unto him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, be glory and dominion for ever.