THE EXPRESSION OF FAITH

John 20:1-31 

Saturday, 19 April 2025

But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in him you may have life. -John 20:31[GNT]

Our text of Scripture today depicts the brave attempt of a woman who went to the tomb where Jesus was buried, during the very early hours of the day while it was still dark. It is not normal even for men to visit any tomb in the dark.

Being a lady Mary Magdalene knew very well that this move might invite public accusations. But still Mary pressed on because of her ardent love for the Lord Jesus. She had received the forgiveness through grace. And now it is appropriate for her to reciprocate the love and dedication toward her Lord. She truly is an example of a thankful life. Looking back at her life, she was miraculously healed by Jesus when he drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). This freedom prompted her to stand under Christ’s Cross even when all disciples except John, were hiding in fear. She was more eager to believe and obey rather than to doubt and question. Jesus honored her faith by entrusting her with the very first message of resurrection.

The Resurrection of Jesus is the key factor in Christian faith. As Christ rose from the dead (as He had foretold), Jesus is able to fulfill all what He promised. It validates all that He spoke! His resurrection proves that death is not the end and we have a life after death and the resurrection power is available for all who believe, to bring our spiritual deadness back to life. We can continue to pray the Scripture Paul writes in Ephesians 1:18-20: “…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead…”

Now to examine our lives—each of us who is saved, knows how much we were forgiven- the extent of God’s mercy and grace in our lives.  How are we expressing our gratitude for the forgiveness and grace we enjoy today? Luke 12: 48 says “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Towards the end of this chapter, unlike Mary, we see a doubting Thomas who wasn’t willing to believe until he saw the resurrected Jesus and touch Him. But he didn’t stay in his doubt instead he allowed Jesus to bring him to belief and he exclaimed in faith: “My Lord and my God!” (Vs.28). Jesus made a relevant statement then: “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (Vs.29). Later he served the Lord as the other disciples did.

Coming back to Mary, in Vs.16 we see Jesus calling Mary by her name. Jesus knew her! Today too Jesus calls your name and is knocking at the door of your heart. He wants you to know Him personally. Will you allow Him to enter and make His residence in you by His Spirit?  Then will you like Mary, regard Him as your Lord and share the good news of resurrection and grace with others?

Thought for the Day: Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection – Watchman Nee

Listen: 'Sing Hallelujah to the Lord'