SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-31
OBSERVATION:
Here we see the disciples before they encounter the risen Jesus – hiding behind locked doors, afraid for the Jews. What a contrast to what would happen after Pentecost (see Acts 4:1-27). Jesus lets them know here that they are going to be sent into the world to speak for God, just as He did! He also equips them with the Spirit (power) to do this.
The power of the Holy Spirit is the source of both peace (peace be with you) and power and authority (if you forgive, they are forgiven). They are not able to forgive sins themselves, but they can declare with authority God’s forgiveness for those who repent and believe; those who do not repent and believe will not be forgiven.
Thomas is an example of someone who has difficulty believing unless they see it with their own eyes. Here Jesus states that those who believe without seeing will be even more blessed. And John explains that the reason he wrote this gospel is so that people will believe, and experience new life, peace and power through their faith.
APPLICATION:
I am called, just like the early disciples, to witness to the risen Jesus, based on my own experience of Him. I am like the Paul, who never met Jesus while on earth but had a life-changing experience with Him after He ascended (1 Corinthians 15:7-8).
I can only do this work with the peace and power that the Holy Spirit gives me. I am nothing myself, I need to remain in Jesus, and witness and serve in His Name, confident in His power, for His honour and glory.
I have often longed to see and hear the things the early disciples did, but I am called to believe by faith, not by sight. Although this is hard, the Lord does give me amazing evidences of His reality that do bless me with both peace and power. I want to believe even more, and to help others who have not see believe!
PRAYER:
Lord, from my perspective it is hard to believe something that I cannot see. And yet You show Yourself to me in many ways every day. I do hear You in my heart, through Your Word, and threough my daily experiences. Help me to keep my eyes and ears open for glimpses of You. Amen.
The disciples were together for fellowship and encouragement behind locked doors. Those doors may keep the Jews out, but those doors can not shut out the presence of Jesus Christ. Because He is risen and lives, they too can live. Yet this living is totally dependent upon Jesus by the gift of the Spirit. When the disciples met together they were building each other up in their faith of what they had heard and seen. The group did not exclude Thomas because of his unbelief because if we are faithless we are Christless. Being together gives strength and power and hope and acceptance and community to bear each others burdens.
Thank You Lord for the fellowship of Your people. May all Your people give the resounding confession that You are My Lord and My God. Thank You for Your Word and the gift of Your Spirit. Help me to Walk With Jesus Daily. Today God Is First – from the start of the day to the finish. help me to see You as I commit this day to Your service.
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.
I see his hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And, just the time I need Him, He’s always near.