Wednesday, April 20, 2011

John 20

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020&version=TNIV


It is one thing to be told by your beloved leader that he must be killed and then rise from the dead - it is completely another to watch it happen.


Mary Magdalene and John, the first two to see that something was not 'normal' at the tomb wait outside but Peter runs in to look. The scripture says they 'believed' but they were not quite sure of what they believed.


Mary stays after the men leave and weeps. While she weeps, two angels and Jesus appear to comfort her. She is the first person who Jesus directs to go and tell the good news of his resurrection. Mary Magdalene, a woman commonly thought of as a reformed prostitute, is the first to see the resurrected Lord. Not only is she given this honor, but she is also given the charge of telling what she has seen.


From here, Jesus appears to the rest of the disciples to show proof of his resurrection. Thomas needs extra proof and our gracious Lord gives it to him saying, "...blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." That's us who Jesus is talking about.


Jesus knows that we have doubts. He knows that we have fears. We cannot be 100% sure all the time. It is okay, even the disciples doubted. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is what our whole faith hangs on and it matters. If you are not sure how this all works, you are not alone. But God can give you the faith to move forward even if you don't understand it.


Heavenly Father, we do not understand your ways or the works that you do on Earth. Forgive us for our doubts, help strengthen our faith, and give us joy in the miracle of the resurrection of your son, Jesus Chris. Amen.


CS

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