A Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 19
- ontrakk
- Apr 19, 2025
- 1 min read
John 20:29
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
I sometimes wonder how any of the disciples could have had any doubt, when they had Jesus in their presence for three years, telling them what he was telling them. But I do have the benefit of all who have lived before me, putting the pieces together. It was not so clear to them at the time, and I know that is true. So, I understand Jesus’ words to Thomas. Jesus knew there would be generations of new believers after the disciples and his present followers. It would be up to them (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to share the good news. It is up to me to do my small part.
Holy Lord, you are my friend, companion and Savior. May I help others to believe without seeing, by doing my part to shine your light. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful gift of Easter. Amen
Becky, transforming
Faith, it’s all about faith. Although the disciples were told about what was to be, they were still doubtful, they wanted to “see” for themselves and they were there to see it. We did not see it for ourselves but we have faith. It’s kind of like the wind, we can’t see it but we know it’s there, we can feel it. We can’t see Christ but we can certainly feel his love.
Dear God, Thank you for Jesus, for the resurrection, for the forgiveness, for Your Grace, and for believing I am worth these gifts. May my faith continue to grow stronger every day. In Christ’s name. Amen
Jon 20-29.
This verse speaks directly to my writing for Friday. Jesus knew we would not have the advantage that Thomas and the others had. We cannot touch your hands and side. Our job is to read your story and study it then put our doubts away and believe.
Prayer: Gracious God, Many thanks for the time spent with this wonderful study of your final journey. AMEN
John 20:29
Lucado ends our Lenten study on just the right note. What may sound like a mild rebuke of Thomas set the stage for a blessing on all who came to belief after the Resurrection and Ascension without the benefit of having seen our resurrected Lord. For us, faith comes not by sight, but what we hear or read in God’s Word. If one reads the final two verses of John 20, it is seen that this is the very reason John wrote his gospel - so that those who read it may believe.
Prayer - Risen Savior, help me to walk by faith and not rely only on what I can see. Strengthen my faith to the point…
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 ( 40th day of Lent)
John 20:29
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who
have not seen and yet have believed
True faith, as illustrated here, is not based on physical evidence or seeing to believe. Faith is about trusting in God's promises and His Word, even when you cannot see the outcome or proof in front of you. Jesus was telling His disciples that they believed in Him because they had seen Him. Jesus says that we are blessed because we believed without seeing him. His disciples believed because they had the highest degree of proof possible, but those who believe on lesser evidence are blessed…