John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 16, Day 4

Prayer

Pause for a moment of quiet and calm. To be fully present in both body and mind, inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Repeat this three times. Ask God to grant you His wisdom today.

Bible Reading: John 20:24-29

Read these verses three times slowly.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

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 told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Reflection & Questions

This week we are gradually seeing more and more people believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. John believed when he saw Jesus’ grave clothes. Mary believed when Jesus spoke her name. The disciples believed when Jesus walked through the walls and pronounced “Peace be with you!”

But Thomas wasn’t there at that moment. Why? Perhaps his fears and doubts have led to him isolating himself. He wouldn’t be the first person in history to isolate when trouble hits. When the disciples exclaim to him that Jesus is alive, he struggles to believe. He tells them he has to see Jesus for himself. When Jesus appears, and Thomas sees him, his immediate words are: “My Lord and my God!”

We don’t have the privilege of seeing Jesus physically like Thomas, and Jesus knows that. He says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We’re a part of that. We are blessed because the Spirit has opened the eyes of our heart to believe without seeing. We are blessed because we have joy in a world of disbelief. We are blessed because we know Jesus is alive and one day we will see Him in the flesh!

1. What word or phrase from these verses sticks out to you today? Why?
2. Do you recall a time when fears or doubts caused you to isolate yourself from Christian brothers or sisters? What do you think Thomas’ advice would be to someone in that position?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?