March 3, 2023

Now Jacob’s well was there [near Sychar]. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” John 4:6-7

When Jesus initiated this very interesting conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, He had complete awareness of the deep yearning she had long experienced; a yearning in her heart for true acceptance and genuine love. Do I cultivate such an awareness as I look around at others? Do I recognize my own need for acceptance and love? If I am determined to ‘put on’ the ‘glasses’ of mercy and grace, I will begin to see others (and myself) as Jesus does.

Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came [on the day of His resurrection]. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:24-25

This reaction of Thomas to the other disciples has earned him the name “Doubting Thomas.” But this name comes from the world, not from Jesus. Jesus saw Thomas, not as a cynical doubter, but as a thoughtful man with sincere questions. Wouldn’t that be a better way to view those around me who may not see Jesus as I see Him? Questions can lead to wonderful discoveries! I should thankfully view the questions of others as golden opportunities to visit and journey through God’s word together.

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” vv. 26-28