SCRIPTURE: John 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. [John 20:30-31]
John explains his purpose in writing his version of Jesus’ story – that you may believe!
All of his stories have this as their ultimate purpose; he wants people to know why they should believe and follow Him.
The disciples had a hard time believing, until they saw the empty tomb [John 20:8-9]; Mary did not believe until Jesus spoke her name [John 20:16]; Thomas would not believe until he saw proof [John 20:24-25].
Having read John’s account of Jesus’ life, has it helped you to believe that Jesus is God’s messiah?

Jesus says that those who believe without having seen Him – only hearing about Him through the testimony of His sent out witnesses – receive a special blessing [John 20:29].
We are the one’s He is talking about, since we have not seen, but we have believed.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. [1 Peter 1:8-9]
A special, inexpressible and glorious joy, because we believe in Him without seeing Him.
Sometimes, like Thomas, we wish we could have proof; in fact, I do believe we receive proof of a different kind.
Jesus still shows Himself to us in different ways; through a spiritual experience, through tough times, through a voice within that calls our name and gets our attention.
By His Spirit Jesus is still revealing Himself to our hearts – if we are open and willing to listen.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20:21-23]
John’s sense of purpose was to help people believe – he witnessed to His experience of Jesus.
This is our purpose too; like the first Jesus-followers, we are sent to share the radical message of Jesus based on our own experience – our witness – with the help of His Spirit.
We do not need to be gifted evangelists, we simply need to share our experience of His love, His grace, His mercy.

I admit that the last part of Jesus’ words – if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven – are hard, and probably do not mean what they seem to mean.
We are not the source of forgiveness, we are the messengers of forgiveness.
I think that Jesus is showing us how people will experience His grace – through us.
This is important, the world needs to know that Jesus died for them too, but if we do not communicate it, how will they know about it, how will they experience it.
Jesus is showing us what happens when we do not do what Jesus sends us to do.
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” [Romans 10:13-15]
Will people hear about God’s amazing grace in Jesus through you, will you witness to why you believe in Him?
So that they to may believe!!!

PRAYER:
Lord, the people I see around me right now need Your peace, Your forgiveness, Your Spirit in their life. They need to believe in You too. Help me to do what I can, through my words and actions, so that they may believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God!