Gospel Truth in John 20 (Dec 29)

Christ Teaches Blind Faith In God

Following betrayal of Judas and
denial of Peter, John focuses on
the trial before Pilate & governor’s
futile efforts to release Jesus.
Yielding to political expediency
and mob pressure, Pilate sentences
Jesus to be crucified. Many of the
details John includes are unique:
soldiers casting dice for Jesus’robe
the spear trust into Jesus’ side;
the post-resurrection appearances
including to Thomas. Through it all,
John’s purpose shines forth clearly
to present Jesus as the Son of God
in His life, death and resurrection.

Lord, we’ll Believe without seeing:
And Thomas answered and said
to Him: My Lord and my God!
Then Jesus told him: Blessed are
those who have Not Seen and
yet Have Believed (Jn 20:28-29).
The disciples saw Jesus do many
other miraculous signs in addition
to the ones recorded in this book.
But these are written so that
you may continue to Believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the
Son of God, and that By Believing
in him you will Have Life by the
power of his name (v30-31) Amen.

Lord, we can turn very skeptical
when we go through tough times.
Like Thomas, we may want proof
that Your words are really true.
Help us Lord in spiritual matters
to just Believe whether or not
we see or understand all that
is going on. And when we do so,
we ask that you will grant us
experience your blessings. Amen.

Lord, I know You want to bless
me in countless ways that require
believing without seeing. Help me
to have the kind of strong faith
I need to overcome all doubt.
Help me have faith in Your Word
and in Your goodness and power.
Help me to trust that You are
answering my prayer even when
I can’t see it happening. Amen.

Lord, your word says By Believing
in You, we will Have Life; the truly
supernatural, freely, abundant life.
Thank You that I have the peace
even when problems blew up in
my face that could mess up life.
I do not scream but turn to You;
for I just know my situation is in
Your hand & that You will lead me
through it. And that inner witness
is my comfort and my strength.
Help me Lord to continue to draw
near to You in Word and prayer;
walking with & listening to U. Amen