John 20 | Life

December 23rd, John 20

Jesus was dead for three days. Darkness was over the earth and though the disciples had heard Jesus say he would rise again, it didn’t seem to register in their mind as a possibility. Hope was lost.

How could anything good come from this? The one person that was to rescue us is now dead, they must have thought.

hope

Have you lost hope? Hope that God would change your life? Hope that God can work in your evil heart? Hope that God can kill your beloved sins? Hope that God loves you? As you read chapter 20, consider the lengths Jesus goes to encourage and build hope in His disciples. Count how many times Jesus says “peace” to them.

Consider the story of Thomas, who was not with the other disciples when they initially saw Jesus. And at hearing their encounter, said “I will never believe unless I see the marks of the nails and place my hand into his side.” (v25)

Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

-John 20:26-29

Then John, the author of this book tells us why he wrote it: “…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

belief

Do you believe that Jesus was real? That Jesus loved and ministered on this earth, gave himself up to death, and then was raised three days later? “I want to, but I have doubts within myself” you may say. Well, consider Jesus’ heart towards Thomas. He gave him what he needed to believe, so He will with you if you continue to put yourself in places for Him to show you, namely, His word in the Bible.

If you believe Jesus was real, what does it not change about us? The way we love, the way we think about money, the way we view our lives, the way we understand eternity… This belief has implications at every level of our life.

Do you believe?

Reflection Question:

Jesus’ life and death are meant to help us believe and have hope in Him as a God who loves us and is for us. Where have you lost hope in your spiritual life? Reflect on the lengths Jesus went to love you and keep looking until hope fills your heart that He is above all things and can do anything He wants or desires. Including loving you and I, a filthy sinner who is undeserving.

Perhaps you should turn off your devices and spend 5 minutes praying and meditation on these truths so that you may “believe” more. I know I need to.

Growing in my belief,

Josh.