TOPIC: ONE AMONG THE TWELVE
Read: John 20:24 – 29
John 20:24-29 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came..
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
MEMORISE:
Then He said to Thomas, Reach out your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place [it] in My side. Do not be faithless and incredulous, but [stop your unbelief and] believe! (John 20v27)
EXPOSITION
It is astonishing to hear that Thomas, after walking with Jesus Christ for not less than two years still said: Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. Hmm! Are you better today? Is Thomas faith not even better that what some of us profess to possess in our relationship with God?
The scripture evidently declear that unbelief has made the hearts of many people dull, their ears heavy, and their eyes shut; because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand (Matt. 13v13). Think about Peter too, one of the Twelve who dined Christ thrice, putting a curse upon himself. Thank God who helped him to quickly come to his sense and make amends. But worst is Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who chose to betray the Lord to those who sought to kill Him, with a kiss. He had walked and worked with Jesus for some years, but his refusal to deal with covetousness eventually finished him. As a disciple of Christ, which one of the Twelve are you?
John the brother of James who both wanted fire to come down on those who rejected the Gospel, turned to be John the Beloved, a recliner at the bosom of the Master. What an incredible one among the Twelve! Even Mary, who sat at His feet always to be taught the Word of life. It is high time we had become pacesetter Christians, distinguished ones among the several Twelve in every Christian gathering, or community. Let us drink into the Spirit of the Master Jesus, carry the touch of His life round, turning the books and crannies of the world upside down for the glory of God. Among every Twelve be the renowned for Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. I submit my heart and will to You, O Lord, Make me a distinguished disciple among Your adherents.
2. Lord, help me to leave behind a godly legacy in my walk with You to eternity.
3. Pray for the revival of genuine discipleship in our churches.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Esther 3v3 – 7:5, Acts 17:22 -18:9
