GPS Guide – April 24, 2019

HOPE IN OUR WORLD

Wednesday

Read: John 20:24-29

^“24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. ²⁵ 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.” ²⁶ 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!” ²⁷ 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.”²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (NIV John 20-24-29)

Study:  The message of Easter offers great hope and joy—but like Thomas, many of us can also have significant questions. On Sunday evening, Jesus appeared to the hiding, frightened disciples and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). When Jesus “showed them his hands and his side” (verse 20), they believed he was alive. Thomas was not with them, and wouldn’t take their word for it. Eight days later, Jesus showed himself to Thomas. As it did for Mary in the garden, the presence of his clearly-alive Lord overcame all of Thomas’ doubt. In verse 29, Jesus said, “Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” This was not to shame Thomas, but to encourage all future believers. We cannot see Jesus the way the disciples did, but we can see Jesus working through others, and “hear” him speak to our heart as we read the Bible and sense his impact on our lives. Where have you seen Jesus at work lately? How can you help someone else see him?

Pray: Lord Jesus, speak to me and through me. Give me a heart sensitive to your presence and attuned to listen to and share your inner voice. Amen.