Writing John 20
Good morning. He has risen!!!!! I could not imagine the feelings that Mary and the disciples were going through as they found the grave open and empty. I do know the feeling of grief, it is debilitating at times. It affects your whole being. I imagine this is how they felt finding the tomb empty. We see it most in the description of Mary as she continued to grieve. Then the Lord comforted her.
I love how when He appeared to the disciples He offered them peace, “Peace be with you.“. He knew they were suffering, confused, and not at peace inside themselves. So, He offered them peace. So much comfort.
I have heard so many sermons about Thomas, doubting Thomas, they call him. But I want to defend Thomas. Jesus had warned the disciples about false christs, in Matthew 24. And some of these things were not clear to the disciples. Also, it says in John 20:20, Jesus showed the disciples His hands and side so that they would believe. So, Thomas was only asking for the same proof.
But the last words of the section that he spoke to Thomas are powerful : “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Also they last verse of the chapter: “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.” We are unable to put our fingers in His scars or our hand in his side, we cannot see Jesus with our physical eyes. We believe through His word in Faith. And we have life everlasting, all because He rose from the grave for us.
God is so Good!!
I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and weekend!!
