A Series on the Milestones
in Jesus’ Life
John 20
(Use the link below to
read the verses.)
Missouri
is the “show me state”! Legend has it that in 1899, Missouri's U.S. Congressman, Willard Duncan
Vandiver, gave a speech at a naval banquet in Philadelphia where he declared,
"I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and
Democrats. Frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from
Missouri. You have got to show me."
The
disciples were the same way. When Jesus did miracles, the disciples were
standing right there; watching. But they didn’t see Jesus reach the milestone
when he rose from the dead. As a result, when they heard about it they said,
“Show me”.
The
women, after finding the empty tomb, told the disciples about their discovery. Instead
of believing them, Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves; as if
to say, “Show me”.
The
biggest doubter of all was Thomas. “Unless
I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and
put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Again, show me!
Stubbornness
and doubt are a part of human nature. People want to see for themselves before
they believe. Jesus knew this would hold his disciples back. So he decided on a
more direct approach.
Though the doors were
locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then
he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and
put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” NIV
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent
me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and
said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. NIV
Jesus sent his disciples in the power of the Holy Spirit.
At this point, they didn’t respond anymore by saying, “Show me”. They just
went.
How will you respond to the risen Christ? Will you say,
“Show me”? Or will you say, “Here am I Lord. Send me”?
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