Journey to the Cross

Pause

Peace be with you.

Listen

Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.

John 20:29-31

Think

The old saying goes, “Seeing is believing.” We don’t have that luxury. While we weren’t alive 2000 years ago to see the events take place, we have these testimonies, “so that you will believe.” One interesting aspect of faith is that it requires limited factual knowledge. When we have ALL the facts and concrete evidence, it is no longer faith. It is certainty. In this translation, Jesus claims that we are “happy” when we believe without seeing. Other translations use the word, “blessed.” Jesus seems to see value in our willingness to trust and believe without experiencing the miracles first-hand.

But we DO see miracles first-hand, don’t we? I have two young children, and both are miracles to me. I have watched numerous young people transformed from lives without direction and understanding of purpose to become agents of the Way of Jesus Christ. In areas of pain and suffering, I have seen the Kingdom take root and blossom.

Look around. Take notice. You will have life in Jesus’ name.

Tyler Spradling

Pray

God of salvation, thank you for the witnesses you provide so that I would believe and have life. Give me the vision to recognize your Kingdom. Give me the courage to call attention to it. Amen.

Go

You might have come here in pieces. Receive the Holy Spirit. Go in peace.