John 20:24-29. Now Thomas, also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he 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.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. 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.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
By the grace of God, Peter realized who Jesus truly was and confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). When Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, a Roman officer and the soldiers guarding Him witnessed the earthquake and all that took place. Terrified, they exclaimed, “Surely He was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).
In today’s Word, the resurrected Jesus appears, and Thomas confesses, “My Lord and my God!” Every person who encountered Jesus throughout history bowed down and worshiped Him. One day, God will make every being in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow at the name of Jesus. Every tongue will confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10–11).
As the True King, Jesus shattered the power of the enemy with a rod of iron and crushed them like pottery (Psalm 2:9). As the True Priest, He put an end to the relentless cycle of disasters brought by sin through His own blood (Hebrews 9:12). As the True Prophet, He delivered us from the domain of darkness and brought us into His glorious kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). This is the Christ we proclaim—may we never forget it as we share the gospel.
When Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus while on his way to persecute believers, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. His life, once consumed by darkness, made a dramatic turn at the moment he met the Eternal Light. God used Paul throughout his life as an instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15). Paul considered his life worth nothing to himself; his only aim was to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace (Acts 20:24).
Have you met this Jesus? How can you meet Him?
By faith, receive Jesus as your Lord and King so He may lead and govern your life. If you truly trust in Him, your prayers will be answered. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). When you open the door to Him, He will enter your life and dwell with you forever.
Through Christ, you gain the right to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). You begin a new life with Him. He will eat with you as a sign of love and reconciliation. Every day will become a feast with Jesus. You will enjoy the abundance of His kingdom. God will prepare a table before your enemies (Psalm 23:5).
When you realize that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, like Paul, you will confess, “I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15–16). You will find your heart filled with compassion for those who have not yet encountered Christ. Rather than judge them, you will embrace their weakness and pray for them with compassion.
Are you still struggling or failing in life? Make Jesus the Lord of your life. Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5). As long as you remain on the throne of your own life, you will wander, trying to steer your way by worldly methods—never truly finding joy, peace, or rest.
Make Christ the center of your life. Cast your burdens, sins, and worries on Him—He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Lay down your pride, anxiety, and negative thinking. Do not lean on your own understanding. Set aside all unbelief, for the Holy Spirit within you is perfect.
Prayer. Father, thank You for solving all my problems through Christ on the cross. Since meeting Him, I now have true life. Remind me of my identity in Christ in every circumstance. Lead me and reign in me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.