Fields United Methodist Church

Pastor Tom’s Weekly Blog.                 “Jesus!”                John 20:19-29

April 17, 2020

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen yet have come to believe’” John 20:29

It seems we need answers, if not proof for everything; we are a people who demand answers and once we have answers we demand proof that the answers are true.  When the disciples met and Jesus stood among them as one resurrected from the dead, they rejoiced. It is easy to affirm what we see, but what about those things we cannot see? It is a simple thing to affirm what we understand, but what about things that defy explanation? In this Gospel testimony, Thomas, one of the disciples, needed proof, needed to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was truly resurrected from the dead, hence Lord and Savior. When he saw Jesus stand before him, he believed with perhaps the greatest affirmation in all of Scripture, “My Lord and my God.” For Thomas he needed to see Jesus, but what about us, nearly 2,000 years later?  Well, we are blessed by God when we believe, when by faith we affirm the presence of Jesus in our everyday life; “blessed are those who have not seen yet have come to believe.” Maybe our belief is wrapped up in knowing that our Creator loves us so much that offers us a redeemer in Jesus the Christ. Maybe with eyes of faith we do see Jesus alive and well, standing before us through the witness of others and God’s creation. The “fullness” of empty churches is testimony of the presence of Jesus that is not and cannot be confined by bricks and mortar or a series of “do’s and don’ts;” a Jesus whose presence is affirmed by the lives that surround us on a daily basis, by a kind word, text, email, call, or glance within social distancing parameters… The love of God through Jesus Christ can be “seen” in the amazing creation that surrounds us daily, in the miracles that abound every moment. Jesus can be “seen” when the weight of sin and guilt are lifted from our weary shoulders and an opportunity to start fresh is given. Maybe there are no answers to many of our questions, but there is proof of the existence of God and the grace that has been received.  You have been given another chance by God through and by the grace of Jesus Christ; your life is proof of the love and presence of God. Thank you Jesus!

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church