TOUCH ME AND SEE

THOMAS BELIEVES
Read: Luke 24:36–43; John 20:24–31

But he (Thomas) said to them, "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 it." John 20:25 NIV

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Eight days before this scene, the disciples stared in amazed unbelief. Jesus suddenly appeared, and they thought they were seeing a ghost. Then He asked for something to eat and said, "Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." (Luke 24:39)

Now Thomas is unconvinced, since he has not yet seen the Lord. When Jesus appeared again, and showed him his hands and side, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28) Jesus had been telling His disciples all along that he would rise from the dead, but this was something they couldn't comprehend.

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We have the advantage of the complete Scriptures, explaining how all these things fit together with Old Testament prophesy; yet Lord, there are times I struggle to understand Your plan for us. Perhaps it is just enough to say, "My Lord and my God!"

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Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  John 20:29 NKJV

EASTER SUNDAY

MARY MAGDALENE

Read: John 20:1–18

     They (the angels) asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him."   John 20:13 NIV

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     Mary Magdalene was one of the devout women who supplied the needs of Jesus and His disciples throughout His ministry. She had been delivered from demon possession as were some of the others who followed Him. She was one of those who remained at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus witnessing his horrible crucifixion. 

     Three days later Mary went to the grave to grieve – but instead she had an encounter with angels at the empty tomb. Jesus was still there, so changed that she did not realize that it was He ─ until He spoke her name,"Mary." Then she turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (20:16)
     Mary Magdalene was forgiven much and she loved much. Her life was dedicated to Jesus' ministry and to being a friend to other believers. God chose her to be the first one to see her risen Lord.

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     Thank You Jesus that You came to set people like Mary free from their sin. Thank you for dying for my sin. Help me to show my love for you as Mary did by serving other believers.

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     Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" John 20:18 NIV

FRDAY'S HERE BUT SUNDAY'S COMING!

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed .   1 Cor 15:51-52 NKJV

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     Easter is coming late this year, but in just a few days it will be here.  I prefer late April - in March it always takes me by surprise.  Easter came as a surprise to believers in Bible times as well. No matter how many times the Lord told them that He would die and rise again the third day, they couldn't seem to comprehend. They were ready to see Him as King, Messiah, Promised One - but suffering, death and resurrection - that was unthinkable!

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    Our hope comes not just from Friday (the cross) but from the Sunday that follows. Jesus died for our sins on Friday - but He conquered death on Sunday, so that those of us who receive Him need not fear death any more.

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     For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

     Have you believed in the only begotten Son of God?