Looking for Jesus

by Bryan Craig

DAY FIVE

Scripture:  John 20:26-29 NIV

“A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see My hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.’

Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God!’

Then Jesus said to Him, ‘Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”  

Thought:  Thomas had heard about the other disciples’ encounter with the risen Jesus, but he did not believe. He wanted tangible proof, not just the testimony of man. Jesus satisfies Thomas’ doubts and questions, but He also rebukes him for his lack of faith. Jesus had told the disciples He was going to die and rise from the dead. Did they believe Him?

Jesus knows of our weaknesses, and He is willing to demonstrate His sovereignty to us, but He is far more pleased to see us trusting Him and taking Him at His word.

Application:  Do we see Jesus through eyes of faith? Or do we need more evidence? Are we waiting for Him to do something for us before we will place our trust in Him?

Explore our hearts in our journals, as we test our faith in Jesus. Write down our areas of weakness and doubt. It’s okay. Jesus can handle our doubts.

Is there something we believe Jesus is asking of us that we must accept by faith?  This will be the true test. Seeing can be believing, but better yet, is believing without seeing.

Response:  Write down a list of adjectives in our journal about Jesus. Let our spirit flow as we let this list turn into a time of worship.

Jesus came to earth, showed us how to live, died for us, rose from the dead to prove His deity and His Word and sent His Spirit to live with us forever.

Are we still looking for Jesus?  He’s right here.