John had a nickname for himself in the Gospel of John. He called himself “the disciple that Jesus loved” five times in the gospel of John. Perhaps he did so out of humility. Maybe he didn’t want to write in the first person in order to make the account sound more historical. Perhaps after spending time with Jesus, watching Him die, entering the empty tomb and talking with Jesus after the resurrection, there was only one conclusion to be made: Jesus loved John. And John chose to refer to himself in context of his relationship with Jesus. Other people who knew Jesus came to the same conclusion. In John 11:1-3, we read, “Now a man was sick—Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. So, the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Mary and Martha recognized that Jesus loved Lazarus and used the same “nickname” for him. Jesus truly loved John and Lazarus. He wept with Mary and Martha because He loved them. Jesus loved His mom, and He loved Judas. He wasn’t a big fan of the Pharisees and Sadducees, but He loved them too. You also are “The One that Jesus Loves.” You might not feel worthy of His love but know this truth: there’s nothing that will stop Him from loving you. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35,38-39). Beloved, do you accept His love? Do you truly understand the depth of His love for you? Today, refer to yourself as the “One that Jesus Loves.” For that is who you truly are. By LaRaine Rice LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings.

The Gospel of John reveals essential truths about Jesus written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah (John 20: 31). God revealed His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Jesus, God in Flesh, revealed more about what it means to be I AM. Jesus told us: “I AM the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). “I AM the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). “I AM the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9). “I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own” (John 10:11,14). “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). “I AM the true vine and My Father is the vinedresser… I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5). Jesus also revealed His true identity in the garden: Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I AM” (John 18:4-5). His statement was so powerful that the soldiers fell down. This name for God (“am”) is in the present tense just as the word “is.” This means that God is all of these today. He IS the bread of life. He IS the light of the world. He IS the way, the truth and the life. God is all of these and so much more. Take time now to look back through these statements. Ask God to show you in what ways you need Him today. Are you feeling lost? He IS the Good Shepherd. Use one of the “I AM” verses above as a prayer. Ask God to guide you. By LaRaine Rice LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings.

If a lot can happen in 3 years, an infinite amount can happen in 2000 years! While Jesus walked the earth, there were also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written (John 21: 25). Jesus, the man, was evidently busy those three years. And He has not stopped since then. Yes, we know that in John 14, He told the disciples that He was going to prepare a place for us to be with Him. But that is just part of it. His presence resides in those who believe on His name. Those of us who know Him, know that He continues to work in lives. Illnesses are healed. Marriages are saved. Hearts are mended. When we open our eyes, we can see Him at work everywhere around us. And it’s been this way since Pentecost. His work is like the grains of sand; we can’t count what He has done over the last two millennium. It’s truly unfathomable. But, for just a moment, right now, think about ALL that He has done in your life and maybe the life of your family and friends. Surely you can think of ten things He has done. Maybe even 20.  Today spend time remembering what He has done for you. Praise Him for it. And tell someone that Jesus is alive and at work in your life. By LaRaine Rice LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings

A lot can happen in three years. A newborn can turn into an energetic three-year-old. Some can finish high school or college in three years. If we can accomplish so much in three years, just imagine how much God incarnate could do. John was there for most of it. In the closing of his Gospel account, John states, There are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written (John 21:25). So, how then did John (and the other Gospel writers) narrow down the story? Why not give us all the details? No one can be sure why exactly. Perhaps after Jesus’ resurrection, when He explained everything to the disciples, these were the stories and teachings He used. Maybe after a few years passed, John realized that while much of the ministry was exciting, it was the teachings of Jesus, His crucifixion and the events of Holy Week that deserved primary focus. After all, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and His resurrection are the cornerstones of our faith. While we cannot be sure, the fact that there weren’t enough books to contain all that He did serves at least two wonderful purposes. First, it aligns with the rest of scripture helping to make the Bible one story of God’s redemption. The story begins with creation, is spotlighted through God’s chosen nation (the Hebrews), reaches the pinnacle with God’s presence on earth, continues through the Church and will culminate in Heaven. Had every last detail of Jesus’ life been recorded, we might have missed the most important week of all. Secondly, John’s gospel is compact. It highlights the most important events and teaches the reader just who Jesus was, or more correctly, is. It makes it easy to remember and to share with others. John stated in chapter 20, Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (30-31). John wrote what he wrote under direction of God so that we might believe. Today, as you have time, skim through the Gospel of John. See what is written there, ask the Lord for help in sharing His story with others so they may believe that Jesus is the Messiah. By LaRaine Rice LaRaine serves as the communications coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She is married to Jeff and the mother of Christopher and Elizabeth. Her favorite season is spring and the new life it brings.

Do you have plans for today? The Kentucky Derby? Prom? A wedding? A graduation? Fun plans – but not all weekend plans are fun. Some are chores -- yard work, house cleaning, grocery shopping. And is Spring Cleaning still a thing? Even if you don’t have plans this weekend, God has a plan for you: “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a plan for each of us! The lyrics of the song, If It Was Up to Me , by Ben Fuller (featuring Carrie Underwood) speak of how we don’t like going through difficult times but then remind us that “He always has a purpose through the joy and suffering. I’d be crazy not to trust Him with everything... I’d never know how good Your plans could be if it was up to me.” In my own life, I can look back on the hard times and see His hand over all of it, and I can now appreciate the growth that came from those experiences. Psalm 33:11 tells us, The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. It is comforting to know that His plans and His purpose never change – ever! Sometimes we may think God can’t use us for anything. We might feel like Esther who thought she was powerless and useless when the Jewish people were threatened. Her uncle reminded her: “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). When we feel purposeless, we can reflect on this verse: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5a). According to Merriam-Webster, the word “consecrate” means to dedicate to a sacred purpose. Yes, we all have a sacred purpose – that’s His plan! Are you seeking to know God’s plan for your life? First, surrender your will to His will and walk with Him in prayer and Bible study. Second, seek godly counsel from and fellowship with faithful Christ-followers who know you and know Him. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14) The church is a place where we can find community – community that helps us discern God’s will for our lives and where we can be encouraged and counseled in our faith walk. Hope to see you at church tomorrow! By Jennifer Preston

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29) Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God,” was a powerful declaration of belief, but it came after seeing Jesus physically and touching His wounds. It was a significant moment of realization for Thomas, but in John 20:29, Jesus directs attention to an even greater kind of faith — the faith of those who believe without seeing. Jesus affirmed Thomas for his belief, but He also pointed beyond the need for physical evidence. He highlighted the blessing reserved for those who trust Him based solely on His Word instead of personal, visible proof. This statement was not just for Thomas; it was meant for every believer who would come after him — including us. We are among those who have not physically seen Jesus, yet through the testimony of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe. Believing without seeing is challenging. In a world that often demands evidence and proof, faith requires trusting in things unseen. Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is not about ignoring logic or reason but about trusting the promises of God and the reality of His presence, even when we cannot see Him. Jesus’ words in this verse remind us that faith is not dependent on physical experience but on the trustworthiness of God’s promises. It is not merely wishful thinking but confidence in His unchanging character and His revealed truth. The blessing Jesus speaks of here — “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” — is one of deep intimacy with God. It’s rooted in a relationship built on trust, rather than sight. For many of us, there are times when we might long for tangible proof of God’s presence or work in our lives. Like Thomas, we might cry out for something we can see or touch. Yet Jesus reassures us that believing without seeing carries a special blessing. Faith strengthens us, draws us closer to God, and anchors us in His promises even when circumstances seem uncertain. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus Himself acknowledges the difficulty of believing without seeing, yet He celebrates those who trust in Him regardless. Through the gift of His Spirit and the testimony of His Word, we have all we need to live a life rooted in faith. Believing without seeing is a gift of trust, rewarded with a deeper connection to God and His unshakable promises, even in the absence of visible proof. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!" (John 20:26-28) Thomas had waited a full week since declaring his need for physical proof of Jesus’ resurrection. For seven long days, he must have wrestled with conflicting emotions—hope stirred by the testimony of the other disciples, yet doubt keeping him tied to his skepticism. But despite Thomas’ uncertainty, Jesus didn’t avoid him or write him off. Instead, Jesus returned specifically to meet and address Thomas’ doubts. When Jesus appeared, His greeting of “Peace be with you” once again set the tone. He came not to rebuke or humiliate Thomas, but to restore him. Jesus turned directly to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” These were the exact words Thomas needed to hear, meeting his request for proof in a deeply personal way. By allowing Thomas to touch His wounds, Jesus emphasized the significance of His sacrifice. These were not just marks of suffering but evidence of victory over sin and death. Through this encounter, Thomas’ faith was transformed. His response, “My Lord and my God!” is one of the most powerful confessions in Scripture. In just a few words, Thomas affirmed both the lordship and divinity of Christ, proclaiming his complete surrender and faith. What’s beautiful about this interaction is that Jesus didn’t chastise Thomas for his doubt. Instead, He lovingly guided him from a place of hesitation to belief. This shows us that Jesus understands our struggles and meets us where we are. He is not threatened by our questions or uncertainties. He invites us to a deeper faith, just as He did with Thomas. Thomas’ story reminds us that Christ is both personal and patient in His dealings with us. Though we may not physically see or touch His wounds, we are still invited into that same intimacy of faith. Jesus’ wounds continually testify to His love, His sacrifice, and His victory over the grave. For anyone wrestling with doubt or longing to encounter God more deeply, Thomas’ confession speaks hope: when we encounter the risen Christ, the only response is worship. "My Lord and my God" becomes an expression of faith and surrender for every believer who truly sees Jesus for who He is. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-25) Thomas is often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," but his skepticism echoes a reality we all face at times. Doubt is not uncommon in the Christian walk, especially when faith collides with fear, disappointment, or things we cannot fully understand. In this passage, we find Thomas absent during Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples. Imagine his situation for a moment: his friends were rejoicing in utter disbelief, proclaiming that Jesus, who had died days earlier, was alive. For Thomas, who had just experienced the loss of his Teacher, this must have seemed impossible. He heard their testimony, but it was not enough for him to believe. Thomas’ response might feel jarring: "Unless I see the nail marks…and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." His words reflect a heart grappling with disappointment and despair. He’s saying, "I need evidence before I trust again." Perhaps you’ve been there—having lost hope, asking God to show you something tangible before you can believe again. It’s important to note that Thomas was not condemned for his doubt. Rather than dismissing him or rebuking his lack of faith, Jesus later met Thomas exactly where he was. But before that encounter, Thomas represents an aspect of faith that many are reluctant to acknowledge – the need to wrestle with doubt. Doubt isn't necessarily the opposite of faith; instead, it is often a stepping stone toward deeper trust. Thomas’ courage to voice his skepticism highlights the importance of honesty in our relationship with God. Faith isn’t pretending to believe when we struggle to; faith often involves bringing our struggles, questions, and uncertainties before the Lord. Though his insistence on seeing Jesus’ wounds might appear stubborn, it also reveals Thomas’ longing for truth. He didn’t want to believe blindly—he wanted his faith to be grounded in something real. In this, his doubt becomes a pathway to understanding. For us today, Thomas’ story is a reminder that God is not frightened by our doubts. He invites us to bring them to Him, trusting that He can meet us in the middle of our questions. Rather than run from doubt, we can press into it, knowing that faith grows not by avoiding doubts but by engaging with them honestly, just as Thomas did. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:21-22) After calming the disciples with His declaration of peace, Jesus quickly pivoted to their calling. He didn’t just reassure them of His presence; He gave them a purpose. "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." These words reveal the heart of Christ’s mission for His followers – a continuation of His work to proclaim the good news of salvation, bring healing, and demonstrate the love of God. Jesus’ "sending" of the disciples isn’t a random task but one anchored in the eternal plan of the Father. Just as He was sent to reveal God’s love through His life, death, and resurrection, the disciples were now being sent to carry forward the good news. Their fear and confusion didn’t disqualify them; instead, they became the very people Jesus entrusted with the mission. Notice also that Jesus didn’t leave the disciples to work in their own strength. He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The "breath" echoes the creation story in Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into Adam. Just as God breathed physical life into humanity, Jesus now breathes spiritual life into His followers. The Holy Spirit didn’t just equip them for their mission; He transformed them completely from fearful disciples into bold witnesses. Through this breathing of the Holy Spirit, Jesus prepared the disciples for their future ministry – one marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and the work of sharing God’s kingdom. This moment is a reminder that the Christian life is not simply about receiving Christ’s peace and promises but stepping into the responsibility of sharing them with the world. The peace Jesus gave wasn’t simply to calm them; it was to prepare them. This passage calls us to embrace both the peace of Christ and the mission of Christ. As His followers today, we are sent out with the same purpose: to continue the work of the gospel. And just like the disciples, we are empowered by the same Holy Spirit. The mission is not always easy – like the disciples, we may feel unprepared or fearful at times. But Jesus equips those He sends. His presence, His peace, and His Spirit are enough to sustain us as we step into our callings with confidence. Lord Jesus, thank You for sending us with purpose and empowering us with Your Spirit. Help us overcome fear and step boldly into the mission You’ve called us to. Fill us with Your peace so that we can carry it to those around us. Amen. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)