1. THE UNBELIEF OF THOMAS Sun, Nov 23

a. How did Thomas react to the news of Christ’s resurrection—and why are we bidden to overcome that attitude? John 20:24, 25; 2 Timothy 2:8. “When Jesus first met the disciples in the upper chamber, Thomas was not with them. He heard the reports of the others, and received abundant proof that Jesus had risen; but gloom and unbelief filled his heart. As he heard the disciples tell of the wonderful manifestations of the risen Saviour, it only plunged him in deeper despair. If Jesus had really risen from the dead, there could be no further hope of a literal earthly kingdom. And it wounded his vanity to think that his Master should reveal Himself to all the disciples except him. He was determined not to believe, and for a whole week he brooded over his wretchedness, which seemed all the darker in contrast with the hope and faith of his brethren. . . .“He would not see through the eyes of his brethren, or exercise faith which was dependent upon their testimony. He ardently loved his Lord, but he had allowed jealousy and unbelief to take possession of his mind and heart.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 806, 807.“Satan is at hand to suggest a variety of doubts, but if you will open your eyes in faith you will find sufficient evidence for belief. But God will never remove from any man all causes for doubts. . . . Jesus never praised unbelief; He never commended doubts.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 232, 233.

---

2. DEALING WITH DOUBTING SOULS Mon, Nov 24

a. What can we learn from the way Jesus lovingly reinforced the faith of His doubting disciple? John 20:26–28. “A number of the disciples now made the familiar upper chamber their temporary home, and at evening all except Thomas gathered here. One evening Thomas determined to meet with the others. Notwithstanding his unbelief, he had a faint hope that the good news was true. While the disciples were taking their evening meal, they talked of the evidences which Christ had given them in the prophecies. ‘Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.’“Turning to Thomas He 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.’ These words showed that He was acquainted with the thoughts and words of Thomas. The doubting disciple knew that none of his companions had seen Jesus for a week. They could not have told the Master of his unbelief. He recognized the One before him as his Lord. He had no desire for further proof. His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself at the feet of Jesus crying, ‘My Lord and my God.’ ”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 807, 808. b. How should we deal with doubters of present truth today—including with regard to the Spirit of Prophecy? 2 Timothy 3:10. “Some, I was shown, could receive the published visions, judging of the tree by its fruits. Others are like doubting Thomas; they cannot believe the published Testimonies, nor receive evidence through the testimony of others; but must see and have the evidence for themselves. Such must not be set aside, but long patience and brotherly love should be exercised toward them until they find their position and become established for or against. If they fight against the visions, of which they have no knowledge; if they carry their opposition so far as to oppose that in which they have had no experience, and feel annoyed when those who believe that the visions are of God speak of them in meeting, and comfort themselves with the instruction given through vision, the church may know that they are not right. God’s people should not cringe and yield, and give up their liberty to such disaffected ones.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 328.

---

3. BUILDING THE FAITH OF DOUBTERS Tue, Nov 25

a. What gentle reproof did Jesus direct to Thomas? John 20:29. What lesson do we learn from how Jesus treated the skeptical apostle? “The faith of Thomas would have been more pleasing to Christ if he had been willing to believe upon the testimony of his brethren. Should the world now follow the example of Thomas, no one would believe unto salvation; for all who receive Christ must do so through the testimony of others.“Many who are given to doubt excuse themselves by saying that if they had the evidence which Thomas had from his companions, they would believe. They do not realize that they have not only that evidence, but much more. Many who, like Thomas, wait for all cause of doubt to be removed, will never realize their desire. They gradually become confirmed in unbelief. Those who educate themselves to look on the dark side, and murmur and complain, know not what they do. They are sowing the seeds of doubt, and they will have a harvest of doubt to reap. At a time when faith and confidence are most essential, many will thus find themselves powerless to hope and believe.“In His treatment of Thomas, Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we should treat those whose faith is weak, and who make their doubts prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It is rather put upon self-defense, and finds new support and excuse. But let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour, and from many once unwilling lips will be heard the acknowledgment of Thomas, ‘My Lord and my God.’ ”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 707, 708. b. Why were Christ’s signs and miracles recorded? John 20:30, 31. “God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration.”—Steps to Christ, p. 105.

---

4. BESIDE THE SEA Wed, Nov 26

a. Under what circumstances did Jesus reveal Himself to His disciples for the third time? John 21:1–3. b. As the disciples were fishing, how did Jesus approach them, what did He say to them—and with what result? John 21:4–6. “Jesus had a purpose in bidding them cast their net on the right side of the ship. On that side He stood upon the shore. That was the side of faith. If they labored in connection with Him—His divine power combining with their human effort—they could not fail of success.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 811. c. What happened when the eyes of the disciples were opened so that they recognized Jesus? Relate the conversation that followed between the Lord and Peter. John 21:7–17. “Peter had once declared, ‘Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I never be offended.’ Matthew 26:33. But he now put a truer estimate upon himself. ‘Yea, Lord,’ he said, ‘Thou knowest that I love Thee.’ There is no vehement assurance that his love is greater than that of his brethren. He does not express his own opinion of his devotion. . . .“Three times Peter had openly denied his Lord, and three times Jesus drew from him the assurance of his love and loyalty, pressing home that pointed question, like a barbed arrow to his wounded heart. Before the assembled disciples Jesus revealed the depth of Peter’s repentance, and showed how thoroughly humbled was the once boasting disciple.”—Ibid., pp. 811, 812.“[Peter] was always ready to correct others, and to express his mind, before he had a clear comprehension of himself or of what he had to say. But the converted Peter was very different. He retained his former fervor, but the grace of Christ regulated his zeal. He was no longer impetuous, self-confident, and self-exalted, but calm, self-possessed, and teachable. He could then feed the lambs as well as the sheep of Christ’s flock.”—Ibid., pp. 812–815.

---

5. RESTITUTION Thu, Nov 27

a. What prophetic declaration did Jesus pronounce concerning Peter? John 21:18, 19. How was this prophecy later fulfilled? “[Peter] little knew to what heights and depths Christ’s feet would lead the way. Peter had failed when the test came, but again he was to have opportunity to prove his love for Christ. That he might be strengthened for the final test of his faith, the Saviour opened to him his future. He told him that after living a life of usefulness, when age was telling upon his strength, he would indeed follow his Lord. . . .“Jesus . . . made known to Peter the very manner of his death; He even foretold the stretching forth of his hands upon the cross. Again He bade His disciple, ‘Follow Me.’ Peter was not disheartened by the revelation. He felt willing to suffer any death for his Lord.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 815.“Peter, as a Jew and a foreigner, was condemned to be scourged and crucified. In prospect of this fearful death, the apostle remembered his great sin in denying Jesus in the hour of His trial. Once so unready to acknowledge the cross, he now counted it a joy to yield up his life for the gospel, feeling only that, for him who had denied his Lord, to die in the same manner as his Master died was too great an honor. Peter had sincerely repented of that sin and had been forgiven by Christ, as is shown by the high commission given him to feed the sheep and lambs of the flock. But he could never forgive himself. Not even the thought of the agonies of the last terrible scene could lessen the bitterness of his sorrow and repentance. As a last favor he entreated his executioners that he might be nailed to the cross with his head downward. The request was granted, and in this manner died the great apostle Peter.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 537, 538.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Nov 28

1. How could I be in danger of the same sulkiness as Thomas had? 2. What should I learn from the way Jesus treated the doubting Thomas? 3. Why is love more convincing than controversy? 4. What was Christ’s purpose in performing the miracle of the fishes? 5. Describe the change in Peter’s attitude after his conversion.