John 14: 1-7

The Way

The Holy Trinity is such a mystery. Though we may believe, it is not possible for us to understand how it can be that three are in one. We generally think from an earthly, 3-D perspective, and have no concept of the heavenly realm.

Jesus attempts to comfort his disciples, just as God’s Word through the bible is here to bring us peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 Jesus goes on to tell them about preparing a place in his father's house and coming back for them so they will be where he is.

Thomas (the doubting one) inquired of Jesus when He told the disciples; “You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:4

Just as we would, Thomas was thinking of a pathway or road to get to the place Jesus referred to. Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” John 14:5

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6-7

As this story continues Philip also questions Jesus and asks to see the Father. Considering all the things the disciples saw and heard while in the company of Jesus, it’s hard to believe Jesus wasn’t a bit frustrated as he replied; “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9

Is belief in Jesus the only way to find salvation? Jesus’ answer is clear from this passage. Many may call Christians narrow-minded, yet as a true Christ follower there is only one passage way to the promise of eternal life. We lay down our doubt, and with faith we seek to understand something we likely will not be able to comprehend until we are no longer of this world.

By faith we believe that The Way of The Cross is the only way!

John 20: 24-31

Jesus Appears to Thomas

It was not until Thomas put his finger into the wound in Jesus’ hand and his hand into His side that he believed.

It’s all about FAITH.

Faith is defined as belief, confidence or trust in a person, object, religion, idea or view despite the absence of proof

Though we have God’s word in the Bible, and it is filled with prophetic passages that indeed occurred, many do not believe and will not believe until they see with their own eyes like Thomas. That moment may be too late.

There is a great peace that comes with faith. We can relax when we are sure in our heart that we can trust in certain things to happen or when we know people will follow through with things that are important to us.

Each time we go into a dark room, we trust that when we flick the switch the light will go on even though we may not know exactly how electricity works. We have faith in others when we are driving that they will indeed stop at the intersection and wait until we are through. Because of this faith and trust, we can relax and carry on with confidence.

The same is true when we have true faith in God. Our heart is at peace. We can live with the assurance that we need not worry. He has our back. He loves us. He will care for us. He will see us through no matter what.

We are reminded in Philippians 4:5-7 “Let your gentleness be evident to all The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

May God’s Peace Be With you Always

Read/Listen to John 20:24-31

Eyewitness

Eyewitnesses.


Some local news channels market themselves as Eyewitness News.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers like eyewitnesses to testify during court trials. Without eyewitness testimony and other hard facts, a jury can have a difficult time reaching a verdict in a trial. Eyewitness testimony was important during the Roman Empire and important during the time of Moses, some 3500 years ago.

Today’s story is John 20:24-31. You probably remember this story as that of Doubting Thomas. There is more, however, to the story than the doubts of one of Jesus disciples.

As a disciple, Thomas was an eyewitness to many of Jesus miracles. Because of what he saw during Jesus’ life, Thomas could say that the man Jesus was the Son of God.

 

Jesus made many promises to his disciples about the resurrection and heaven. He cryptically told them he would prepare a place for them at his father’s house (John 14:2). He also told them that after his death he would return (John 16:16).

This was probably difficult for all the disciples to believe, but it is clear from today’s reading that Thomas did not believe it. After all, most Jews thought Jesus would be another King David who would once again make the Kingdom of Israel a great nation on Earth. How wrong they were!

 

Thomas was also an eyewitness to the resurrected Jesus! He knew it was Jesus because of the holes in his hands and feet as well as Jesus' pierced abdomen.

Jesus was resurrected. Not only was Jesus the Son of God, but he also was God! If Jesus could be resurrected after his death, then surely his followers could also be.

There are no living eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection today. We only have the accounts of the disciples compiled in the Bible.

Before his death, the disciples did not understand who Jesus really was. Left to our own devices, we would not understand either.

Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit that enables us to believe, even if all the eyewitnesses died 2000 years ago! Our faith is a gift from God!