Day 39
Believing Without Seeing
Read John 20:19-31
Summary
On the first Resurrection Sunday, Jesus appeared to the disciples in a locked room and blessed them with His peace. He showed the disciples the wound marks in his hands and side, and they were overjoyed.
Then Jesus breathed on them to receive the Holy Spirit. He also sent them out to continue His mission in proclaiming God’s forgiveness to those who would believe.
Thomas, who was not present at this meeting, expressed doubts over Jesus’ appearance.
A week later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again and ministered to Thomas’ unbelief. As Thomas saw Jesus’ wound marks in His hands and side, he immediately proclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” This proclamation is the central confession of our Christian faith.
Using Thomas’ repentance as a reference, Jesus declared, “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet have believed!”
In vv. 30-31, Apostle John explained that he wrote the Gospel to inspire faith in Jesus. Hence, all who believe Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God would enjoy eternal life.
Reflect
1. What was the significance of Jesus’ breathing on the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit? Why was this important as He sent them out to be His witnesses?
2. Why is it often difficult to believe in something that we have not seen? Yet this is what faith is about (Hebrews 11:1). Why is it so important to have faith in our spiritual walk with God (Hebrews 11:1-6)?
Watch
Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff
YouTube.com/@digitaltheologian
www.digitaltheologian.com
The disciples are overjoyed as Jesus fulfills His promises of peace and joy. He commissions them, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them and entrusting them with the authority to forgive sins. Thomas initially doubts but later believes upon seeing Jesus' wounds, confessing Jesus as Lord and God. Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing, extending that blessing to all who trust in Him. The Gospel is written to inspire belief and bring eternal life.
Reflect
3. Is there an area in your life where you find it hard to believe without seeing? How can you trust Jesus more in that area?
Closing Prayer
Ask Him to give you faith to believe in things you have not seen! Ask for boldness to be His faithful witness of the Gospel.