Overview of: JohnToday's Reading:
John 20:1 – 21:25
"Empty Tomb, Risen Lord"
Focus Verses: John 20:27-29
27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Insight:
When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, he found it difficult to believe them. Maybe they had seen someone or something else. Thomas would have to see Jesus for himself. He would have to hear his voice, see his face, and see the evidence of his crucifixion. When he saw Jesus, he became so sure of the resurrection that he called Jesus, "his Lord and his God!"
Thomas' expression of praise and worship means more to me, just knowing that it comes from a person who found it difficult to believe. I also find it important to that Jesus accepts Thomas' worship and surrender. If Jesus were not Lord and God, why would he allow Thomas to say such a thing? Jesus' claim of deity and authority is clearly implicit in his acceptance of Thomas' confession.
Response and Action:
My doubts and concerns are not too much for Jesus. God will meet me in my honest doubts and help me come to the truth. Faith is not opposed to reason. Humble reasoning may even lead me to believe and strengthen my faith.
O God, I believe in Jesus. Increase my faith and help me to deal with honest doubts. Thank you for every testimony, every Scripture, and every experience you've provided to give me reasons to believe. Help me to see Jesus, and as my eyes are opened, make me quick to confess him as Lord and God. Amen.
Old Testament for Today: Psalm 80:17-19
17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. 18 Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name. 19 Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
In Context: Psalm 80
Proverb for Today: Prov. 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Recommended Reading:
Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith
by Alister McGrath
