Discovery Journal

Mike A. - August 18, 2011

Scripture:

John 20: 25-29 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.”

Observation:

The disciples of Jesus told Thomas they had seen Jesus, and he would not believe until he actually saw Jesus with his own eyes. Even when Jesus stood in front of Thomas, he had to see Jesus' hand before he would believe. It doesn't seem to be any different now. We tell about Jesus, and His salvation for us, that because of Jesus we have forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven with Father, and we get that look, "what are you talking about?"

Application:

How to get through to an un-believers is hard. For me, what helps is reading the Bible daily. It helps to find the right words to say as well. Praying, for me, helps in talking to people, too. 

Prayer:

Thank You, Father, for Your gift of life and forgiveness of my sins. I pray, Lord, that as I talk to people, Your written Word comes through me with a believable confidence of Jesus and how He can and will change the outcome of their lives. In Jesus' name I pray this. Amen.