A Word from the Vine No. 533: Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Welcome to A Word from the Vine. I’m Pastor Loren Christensen of Danish Countryside Chapel, and today we continue our series exploring John 20:19-31. In this episode, we will focus on how Jesus responds to Thomas' doubt with compassion and understanding.

Let's look at John 20:26-29:

"Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"

Jesus appears to the disciples again, this time with Thomas present. He offers Thomas the proof he needs but also gently rebukes him. Jesus says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." He understands our doubts but calls us to a higher level of faith.

Imagine a parent teaching their child to ride a bike. The child is afraid and hesitant, needing the parent to hold onto the bike. The parent reassures the child, offering support and encouragement. Eventually, the child learns to ride on their own, trusting in their ability and the parent's guidance.

Jesus is like that parent. He meets us in our moments of doubt, offering reassurance and proof when we need it. But He also encourages us to trust in Him fully, even when we cannot see Him. He calls us to believe without seeing, to have faith in His promises and His presence in our lives.

Reflect on how Jesus has met you in your moments of doubt. Think about the times when you needed reassurance and proof, and how Jesus provided it. Consider how He is calling you to a higher level of faith, to believe without seeing.

Embrace faith and trust in Jesus, even without physical evidence. True faith is believing in Jesus' promises and His presence in our lives. Do not let doubt hold you back from fully committing to Him.

As we reflect on Jesus' response to Thomas, let us pray for the strength to believe without seeing and to trust in His presence in our lives.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the lessons we have learned today. Give us the strength and courage to stand firm in our faith. Help us to trust in Jesus fully, without doubt or fear. Bless us as we commit our lives to Him. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I look forward to continuing this journey with you as we explore the theme of unwavering faith in Jesus. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.