3/25/10 John 20
Believe
(Jn 20:8)8So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed.
What do you believe in, or in other words, what have you committed your trust to. Some people may say I do not trust anyone, and by making that statement what they have just said is that they only trust or believe in themselves. I believe that John 20:8-9 indicates that the apostle John was the first to believe or trust what Jesus had been telling them that He must rise again. Therefore John has placed a great emphasis on the word believe in writing his gospel narrative. He uses the word 98 times and in this chapter he also states the purpose that he has written the gospel in John 20:30-31.
John desired that others who would not be able to see the things that he had seen will believe or trust themselves to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Why is the important? This is important because of what John writes in verse 31 “that believing you may have life in His name.” See if we trust or believe in ourselves or in any other person or thing we will not have life that is eternal life. We must believe in Jesus if we are going to have eternal life, because He is the only one that has overcome death.
When we fall ill or have a serious health issue we immediately place our belief or trust outside ourselves. We do this without consciously thinking about when we seek out someone or something that will help us avoid death. Even at their best doctors, medicine, and treatment cannot overcome death. They can only prolong life. The difference with Jesus is that He can give life forever, because He has risen again and overcome death and if He has that kind of power then those who simply believe and entrust themselves to Jesus will also overcome life not because of themselves but because of Jesus.
We do not have to see the things that John or others saw concerning the resurrection, because we have their testimony or witness that has been given in the pages of scripture. We also have the very words of Jesus to Thomas “Because you have seen Me, you have believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” Peter also write about those who have believed without having seen in 1 Peter 1:8-9 8and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Belief is not simply an intellectual agreement, but a complete surrender and commitment to follow Jesus. This requires admitting you where wrong to believe in yourself or any other thing except Jesus. So I encourage you to believe that you may have life in Him forevermore.
Prayer: Our heavenly Father praise and thanksgiving I give to your name. There is no one like you in the entire universe. Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ who has overcome the world. I continue to believe and put my complete trust in Him to do what I cannot do for myself. Thank you that in His name there is relationship with You and life forevermore, in Jesus name. Amen.