Those Who Have Not Seen

Date: February 13, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – John 20:29

"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.""

Listen for God’s Voice

Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of faith and the blessings that come with it, even when we cannot see physical proof. I ask that you help me to live out the words of today’s scripture, to have faith in you even when I don't have all the answers.

Grant me the courage and strength to share this message with others, to be a witness to your love and grace in all that I do. May I be an encouragement to those around me and show them the joy and peace that comes from a life lived in faith.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The Apostle John wrote the book of John, sometime in the late first century, early second century. It was written in Greek and most likely written in Ephesus.  The purpose was to provide a testimony of the life, teachings, miracles and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse is talking about Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus, who had previously doubted the reports of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus appears to Thomas and offers him physical proof of his resurrection, and after seeing Jesus, Thomas believes. However, Jesus then goes on to bless those who have not seen, but still have faith in him.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"you have seen" - These words refer to having physically seen Jesus, either in his pre-resurrection life or after his resurrection. In this verse, "seen" is being contrasted with "believed," which means to have faith in Jesus without having physically seen him.

"believed" - This word means to have faith in Jesus, to trust in him and accept him as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. 

"blessed" - This word means to be favored by God, to be in a state of happiness and contentment, and to receive God's grace and favor. In this verse, those who have faith in Jesus without having physically seen him are being described as "blessed."

"not seen" - This phrase refers to having faith in Jesus without having physically seen him. In this verse, "not seen" is being emphasized as the means by which one can receive blessing from God.

Summarize and Share

What a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in our lives. When we have faith in Jesus, we are blessed, even if we have not seen him physically. We face many challenges and difficulties in our lives every single day that test our faith, but this verse encourages us to hold on to our belief in Jesus, even when we can't see the results.

Faith is not about having all the answers or understanding everything. Faith is about trusting in Jesus and having confidence in his love and guidance, even when we don't understand what is happening.

As Christians, we need to be an example of faith to those around us. We can share our testimony of how Jesus has worked in our lives and encourage others to have faith in him, even when they are facing their own challenges. We need to constantly be praying for guidance and strength to have faith even when we don't understand, and to be a witness to the love and grace of Jesus.

Hold on to our faith in Jesus, even when we don't understand, and to be a witness to his love and grace to those around us.

Bible Cross Reference

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." This verse speaks to the importance of faith in our lives and how it gives us confidence in things we cannot see.

Romans 10:17 - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This verse reminds us that faith comes from hearing and learning about Jesus, which is why it's important to study and hear the word of God.

James 2:19 - "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" This verse highlights the importance of not just having intellectual belief in Jesus, but also living out our faith through our actions.

1 Peter 1:8 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." This verse speaks to the joy that comes from having faith in Jesus, even if we have not physically seen him.