What Jesus Did! 'Confusion to Conviction' — John 20:3-8

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

So Peter and the other follower started going to the tomb. They were both running, but the other follower ran faster than Peter. So the other follower reached the tomb first. The follower bent down and looked in. He saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came from behind him. Peter went into the tomb. He saw the pieces of linen lying there. He also saw the cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up and laid in a different place from the pieces of linen. Then the other follower went in. This was the follower that had reached the tomb first. He saw what had happened and believed.
— John 20:3-8 NLT
Illustration of John 20:3-8 NLT — He saw what had happened and believed.

Key Thought

So often we need the support of a friend to do that next necessary thing. Peter and the Disciple whom Jesus loved (presumably John) alternate taking the next needed step in this story. John outruns Peter, but doesn't go in the tomb. Peter goes in the tomb and sees. John goes in and sees, then believes. We need each other. Not just for the times of mission—like when Jesus sent out his disciples two by two—but for times of weakness, confusion, and distress. Sometimes, maybe even often times, we can't take the next step on our own and we need the help of a friend. Don't try to do the Christian life solo. We need each other to make it the risen Lord with faith and live vibrantly for him!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, my heavenly Father, thank you for the friends I have who have faithfully encouraged me and nudged me further down the walk of faith and have often taken that next step to help me get to Jesus. Help me be that friend to others so that they, too, can encounter the risen Savior and believe. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 18:20
  • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
  • Proverbs 27:17

Comments

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!