Encouragement

Through the Eyes of a Disciple

by Bobbi Richardson
06/14/21
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Two thousand years ago there were no photographs, no videos, no Internet, no TV so it is impossible to know what anyone looked like or what they did except through what someone else tells us.

John, a disciple of Jesus, wrote a New Testament book specifically to help us see Jesus as He was when He walked this earth. All the miracles, all the acts, all the views of life recorded in John's book are written to reveal Jesus, to draw people to Him and to help us know the truth and believe.

"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30-31 NIV)

John walked with Jesus, ate with Him, lived with Him for years. He knew Him as a close, loving companion and as a wise teacher. He was present for the events he writes about and the "other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book".

And John was a witness to the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection.

At the end of his book, he writes about Jesus appearing to the disciples after His resurrection. One of the disciples, Thomas, was not there and the others rushed to tell him.

"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.”" (John 20:25 NIV)

A week later Jesus again appeared to them and this time Thomas was there.

"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.” (vs 27)

At that moment, Thomas believed. His eyes and heart were opened. He knew the truth...Jesus is alive!

"Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (vs 29)

That's all of us who believe Jesus. Everyone who believes the things written in John's book is blessed.

Blessed with life and love forever!

No one has ever seen a picture or a video of Jesus, but John's book shows Him as He was.

Through John's eyes we see Jesus walking and ministering, hear Him speak of God's Kingdom, witness His appearing after His resurrection.

We see Him, we hear Him, we believe Him.

That is why John wrote his book.