Today's Reading:
Numbers 33:40-35:34
John 20:1-31
Psalm 47:1-9
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses:
John 20:24-28
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So
the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said
to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger
where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not
believe it."
26 A
week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was
with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among
them and said, "Peace be with you!" 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!"
Insight:
When
the disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus, he found it
difficult to be. Maybe they had seen someone or something else. Thomas
would have to see it for himself. He would have to hear Jesus'
voice, see his face, and see the evidence of his crucifixion.
When
Thomas did eventually see Jesus, he was so convinced that he
exclaimed, "My Lord and My God!" Because Thomas was so skeptical, his
expressions of praise and worship for Jesus are especially
meaningful. We should also not how Jesus allowed Thomas to worship
him. Jesus' claim of deity and authority is implicit in his
acceptance of Thomas' confession. If Jesus were not Lord and God, why would he allow Thomas to say such a thing?
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. A humble skepticism may lead me to genuine faith.
O
God, I believe in Jesus. Increase my faith and help me to deal with
honest doubts. Help me to see Jesus and, as my eyes are opened,
make me quick to confess him as Lord and God. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 11:6
6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those
who earnestly seek him.
Resources:
Faith AND Doubt
by John Ortberg
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