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

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

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

  • John 17:20-21
  • 1 Peter 1:3-5, 8-9
  • Matthew 18:15-20

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Devo: Daily Wisdom
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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.
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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.
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"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....."
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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."

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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.

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