“Do You Believe?”

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Do You Believe? - John 20

“…but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31

As we’ve been reading through John’s gospel, have you wondered, “Why these stories? Why this account? Why these events/signs/miracles?” Why did John specifically record what he did? So that we may believe. Each sign, each teaching, each moment John shares is designed to produce within its readers genuine faith in Jesus. 

Isn’t that the theme of chapter 20? The Apostles running to the tomb to see for themselves (v. 4). John going in, and from what he sees, he believes (v. 8). Mary, who believed Jesus was taken, talks to the Lord face to face (v. 16-18). Jesus appearing in the Apostles presence (v. 19-23). Thomas’ refusal to believe without the evidence (v. 25), and the Lord’s answer – providing the proof, resulting in his belief (v. 26-28). 

There’re similarities in all these. Their faith needed time to grow. Each of them had their doubts. Thomas was not the only one to doubt. Just see Mark 16:14. They needed teaching. They needed evidence. For their faith to grow, they needed help from the author of faith (Heb. 12:2). 

And we are the same. There are times like the Apostles that we don’t understand everything completely (v. 9). There are times when we doubt. Everyone has those moments. Apostles had them. Parents have them. Preacher and elders have them. What we need, like the disciples of old, is to look to the evidence, to look to the author of faith, to come and see, and believe. 

Jesus said, “blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (v. 29). That’s us! There’s a song we sing that conveys this thought: 

We gazed not in the open tomb

Where once thy mangled body lay;

Nor saw thee in that "upper room,"

Nor met thee on the open way;

But we believe that angels said,

"Why seek the living with the dead?"

But we believe that angels said,

"Why seek the living with the dead?"

No, we did not see the Lord. We did not feel His wounds. We did not hear Him speak. But we are not left without evidence. These things are written so that you may believe. We have the words. We have the miracles. We have the teachings. By faith, can you see Him? By faith, can you hear Him preach? By faith, can you see the empty tomb? From all that John recorded, do you believe?

Faith is a journey, not a destination. It grows. There are times it’s strong, and times when it’s weak. There are times when we soar with confidence, and times when we stumble in doubt. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t quit! God gave us something special – He gave us these words. Every word, every account, every story specifically chosen so that we would believe. Our faith is tied to this book (Rom. 10:17). Would you like a stronger faith? Are you looking to grow more confident in what you believe? Open the book. Read these words. See the Lord, and believe. 

Our Father in Heaven, thank you for the incredible gift you’ve given us through the Bible. To have your mind, your will, your plan in our hands is amazing. You truly love us, and are good to us. I was not there when Jesus came to earth. I did not see Him with my eyes, nor hear Him with my ears, but God, I believe. I believe these words. I believe that He came. I believe in His signs. I believe in the cross – the death for my sins. I believe that He rose, that He lives, and that today He reigns. I believe in Jesus. Lord, strengthen my faith. Take me to new depths, to a greater maturity, to an even firmer conviction and assurance in my trust in You. Blessed be Your name! 

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