What Jesus Did! 'We're Blessed!' — John 20:29

Monday, December 21, 2026

Then Jesus told [Thomas], "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."
— John 20:29 NLT

Key Thought

One of the things I love about the Gospel of John is that we get to see Jesus specifically thinking about us, those who come after the generation of the apostles. We believe, but without having seen Jesus. We have to trust the testimony of those who did see. We have to take their changed lives based on their witness and conviction of Jesus' resurrection as our starting point. Today, we can take great comfort that Jesus looked beyond the horizon of the apostles' ministry. He saw those of us who would later believe without having seen him alive either before or after his crucifixion, and he gives us God's blessing!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for thinking of our generation and our challenge to believe in your resurrection and for offering us your blessing. We thank you for the ways you minister to us at the Father's right hand as our exalted Lord. May we, your church, demonstrate your character and your compassion as we live as your presence in the world. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 20:29
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.""
He Did It for You!
Article by Max Lucado
Why would Jesus face all that he faced when He could have stopped it with a word? Max Lucado reminds us of the gift Jesus gives us with the cross and resurrection.
Resurrection 2.3: Unless...!
Article by Phil Ware
If Jesus was truly raised from the dead, then this new reality would call for Thomas to radically re-orient his life Phil Ware continues his series on Resurrection 2.0 and focuses this week on Thomas.
Credited as Righteousness
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, The promise of today's verses focuses on your answer to one question: Do you believe? Do you believe that I AM the Father's Son and....."
See All 6 Related Resources about John 20:29

Illustration

Illustration of John 20:29 NLT — Then Jesus told [Thomas], "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 21, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Grace, Glorious Grace'
"Dear Child of Grace, Paul powerfully tells the truth about where each of you was before grace:You were the offspring of the prince of the power of..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Seeking to Bridge the Gap Due to Misunderstanding'
"[After being instructed by the leaders of the Jerusalem church to join in the Jewish purification ceremony of four men,] Paul went to the Temple the...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Is a Rock of Salvation and Victory'
"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Secret of God's Will' (Ep. 1:9-14)
"Dear Father, King of an eternal kingdom, You have made known to us the secret of your will, the purpose which you set forth in Christ as a plan for....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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!