Peter and the other disciple started out for [Jesus'] tomb. They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed ...
—John 20:3-8 NLT
So often we need the support of a friend to do that next necessary thing. Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved [1] (presumably John) alternate taking the next needed steps in this story. John outruns Peter but doesn't go into the tomb when he arrives there. He sees just the grave clothes. Peter arrives, goes into the tomb, and sees that Jesus' body definitely isn't there. After Peter, John also goes in and sees, then believes. We need each other. Not just for the times of mission — like when Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs [2] — but also for times of weakness, confusion, and distress. Sometimes, maybe even often times, we can't take the next step on our own. We need the help of a friend who shares our faith. [3] Don't try to do the Christian life solo. We need each other to make it through our dark nights of discouragement so we can enjoy the new dawn of faith centered on our risen and triumphant Lord. Let's help each other to live with our hope in him!
[1] John 20:2.
[2] Mark 6:7.
[3] Galatians 6:2.
Holy God, my heavenly Father, thank you for the friends I have who have faithfully encouraged me and nudged me further down the walk of faith and have often taken that next step to help me get to Jesus. Help me be that friend to others so that they, too, can encounter the risen Savior and believe. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
—John 20:3-8 NLT
Key Thought
So often we need the support of a friend to do that next necessary thing. Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved [1] (presumably John) alternate taking the next needed steps in this story. John outruns Peter but doesn't go into the tomb when he arrives there. He sees just the grave clothes. Peter arrives, goes into the tomb, and sees that Jesus' body definitely isn't there. After Peter, John also goes in and sees, then believes. We need each other. Not just for the times of mission — like when Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs [2] — but also for times of weakness, confusion, and distress. Sometimes, maybe even often times, we can't take the next step on our own. We need the help of a friend who shares our faith. [3] Don't try to do the Christian life solo. We need each other to make it through our dark nights of discouragement so we can enjoy the new dawn of faith centered on our risen and triumphant Lord. Let's help each other to live with our hope in him!
[1] John 20:2.
[2] Mark 6:7.
[3] Galatians 6:2.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, my heavenly Father, thank you for the friends I have who have faithfully encouraged me and nudged me further down the walk of faith and have often taken that next step to help me get to Jesus. Help me be that friend to others so that they, too, can encounter the risen Savior and believe. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
