JOHN 20 - Here we see the pronounced compassion of Christ unlike anywhere in the New Testament. But we have to look for it. Lets see if you agree: JESUS and PETER: In vs. 3, the writer was inspired to add Peters name separate from the others. Again, a man who denied Jesus three times in Jesus darkest hour, still has a place ringside at the empty tomb. JESUS and MARY MAGDALENE: Now remember, Mary Magdalene was forgiven for a long list of sins. She was desperately in need of a Savior, and from what we see in Scripture she was a deeply devoted follower from the first time she found Jesus. Now, Mary is at the tomb and every other person who comes across angels tends to faint or fall back in terror. Not Mary Magdalene. She wants to find Jesus. If she had to ask an alien or an angel, she wasnt about to be ruffled. And so Jesus appears to her and asks why she is crying. She recognizes Jesus when He says her name. Isnt that something? Jesus knew her name, and He knows yours. Mary is clearly very close to Jesus, because she takes hold of Him - whether in hug or by grabbing his arm. Jesus has to tell her not to take hold of her because He hasnt returned to the Father. But no question Jesus is kind and compassionate, not wanting Mary to cry any longer. JESUS and His DISCIPLES: Here are the main followers of Christ, huddled in the upper room terrified about what might happen next. Jesus simply goes to them through locked doors and offers them peace. I could write a book about that picture alone. What are the locked doors in your life? Is it a friendship youve never felt brave enough to pursue, a relationship that needs healing? An apology you felt awkward giving? An addiction? Whatever the locked door, call on Jesus. He walks through locked doors, stands in the middle of our mess, and offers us peace. No one else can do that. JESUS and THOMAS: Thomas is late to the party, and he simply wont hear of this whole Jesus rising from the dead scenario. He makes his bold and famous proclamation - If I dont see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, I will not believe. Jesus couldve scoffed at Thomas doubt. He could have been angry. He could have rolled His eyes and said, After all Ive done for you ... But that isnt the way of Christ. Instead He walked through the locked doors again and once more offered peace. Then - because He knows all things - He looked at Thomas and told him to go ahead, put his fingers into the nail wounds and look at his scarred hands. Thomas reaction, not surprisingly, is one of utter awe and worship. He cries out, My Lord and my God! Jesus basically ends this moment by stating that Thomas believed because he witnessed the risen Lord firsthand. But blessed will those be who believe but havent seen. Thats us!!! We are blessed because we believe, and that same Jesus who walked through locked doors to offer Thomas and the other disciples peace, will walk through our locked doors and do that for us. He already said so! Vs. 30-31 are beautiful, arent they? I can imagine being used by God to write the Gospel of John ... and realizing that there simply isnt room to right everything. The gospels simply serve as proof enough that our Jesus was God, like He said He was. Hows that for great news! Love you all :)
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:05:31 +0000
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