TOUCH ME AND SEE

THOMAS BELIEVES

Read: Luke 24:36–43; John 20:24–31

But he (Thomas) 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 it." John 20:25 NIV

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Eight days before this scene, the disciples stared in amazed unbelief. Jesus suddenly appeared, and they thought they were seeing a ghost. Then He asked for something to eat and said, "Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." (Luke 24:39)

Now Thomas is unconvinced, since he has not yet seen the Lord. When Jesus appeared again, and showed him his hands and side, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) Jesus had been telling His disciples all along that he would rise from the dead, but this was something they couldn't comprehend.

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We have the advantage of the complete Scriptures, explaining how all these things fit together with Old Testament prophesy; yet Lord, there are times I struggle to understand Your plan for us. Perhaps it is just enough to say, "My Lord and my God!"

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Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW

JESUS PRAYS FOR US

Read: John 17:1–26

"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

John 17:4-5 NIV

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Now Jesus spoke to His Father in the presence of His disciples. He was going to be entering Heaven very soon, restored to the glory He left behind when He became a man. The disciples must have been encouraged when they heard Him tell His Father, "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me." (17:8) "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (17:15)

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Lord, I am so thankful that in this prayer You said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." (17:20) As I meditate on this chapter and all the words You said for them and for us - I claim these words for my family: "I in them and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (17:23 NKJV)

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"I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." John 17:26 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS

SCATTERED SHEEP

JESUS PREDICTS PETER'S DENIAL

Read: Luke 22:24-34; Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:27-31

     Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Matthew 26:31 NKJV (from Zechariah)

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     The prophet Zechariah had predicted this night; Jesus was the Shepherd and his disciples were His sheep. Peter protested, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." (Matthew 26:33) "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." Jesus replied, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me." (Luke 22:33-34) Peter, ever quick to speak, did not know his own heart as well as Jesus did. But even though Peter stumbled, his faith would prevail, and God would restore him in the days to come.

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     Lord, You have said "by grace are you are saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."(Ephesians 2:8) We all are made to stumble, just like the apostles who were scattered. But my blessed assurance is that You are praying to the Father on our behalf, that our faith will not fail.

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     The Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you; that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31–32 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS

LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

Read John 14:1–31

     "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 NKJV

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     The disciples still did not quite understand the clues Jesus had given of His coming death and resurrection. Thomas questioned Him about where He was going, and would not fully comprehend until after it all took place and he saw the nail prints in His hands.

     Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father…" (14:8–9)

     Then He promised, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (14:16-17)

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     God the Father would send His Holy Spirit not only to dwell with them, but in them. The Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – all working together to abide in us forever. Thank You Lord for this incomparable truth –"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 NKJV)

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     "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  John 14:27 NKJV