I have been studying the Gospel of John with some friends and we completed John 20 this week. I learned something about how Jesus teaches us about faith. First, He comes to us where we are in our lives. He knows what we are thinking, feeling, desiring and willing to do. In the room where the disciples were meeting behind closed and locked doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus suddenly appeared to them saying, “Peace be with you.” Then He showed them His hands and side. Jesus knew the littleness of their faith, the fear they were experiencing, and their need of assurance. So that is where He met them–at the point of their need.

Jesus again said, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent me, even so sent I you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jesus gave the His peace. Then He gave them a commission that as He was sent by the Father into the world, so He was sending them into the world. He did not admonish them because of their fear or unbelief. He entrusted to them (and to us) the same calling that the Father had on His life. He gave them a portion of the Holy Spirit to be in them to enable them to wait and pray for the fullness of power came upon them. Amazing the trust He placed in them to follow His command. His faith in them confirmed their faith in Him.

When Thomas met with them a week later, Jesus showed His hands and side. Then Jesus said to him “Be not unbelieving but believing.” Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus acknowledged Thomas’ faith because he had seen. However, the greater blessing is to one who has not seen a yet believed. Jesus came to them. He met them at their point of need. He commissioned them to their life purpose. He affirmed their faith and led them to greater faith. He still does that for us today. I am so glad I have a God who takes me where I am and leads me to greater faith through all my life experiences . What a God and Savior I serve. I love how He loves and teaches me.