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

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 Wednesday, December 21, 2022

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Free Gift' (Re. 22:17)
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Ruth 1:14
"Both of them had an affection for Naomi, and therefore set out with her upon her return to the land of Judah. But the hour of test came; Naomi most..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Futile Efforts at Sailing' (Acts 27:16-19)
"[Luke described Paul's difficult journey sailing to Rome:] We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 5:16
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

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!