Nightly Daily Bible Verse, night 183:
Nightly Daily Bible Verse, night 183: Tonight's nighttime daily Bible Verse is taken from John 20:29 (NIV). Jesus' disciples were resistant to the idea that He had been resurrected. They had heard Him predict that event (John 2:19-22; Luke 18:33). They'd seen Him raise others from death (John 11:43-44). Eyewitnesses had seen Him alive (John 20:17-18; Luke 24:10-11; 23–24). Still, it wasn't until Jesus personally appeared to them that they accepted the truth (John 20:19-23). Thomas had been especially stubborn, but also came to believe once Jesus appeared to him (John 20:24-28).
The comment Jesus makes here points out that most people will never have the experiences that these men enjoyed. As the disciples go out to preach the gospel, they will be speaking to people who will not see Jesus in person. They will preach to those without direct, personal encounters with God. That should be humbling—these men will never have cause to think they're somehow better, or more spiritual, than those to whom they preach. Jesus does not mean it is better to believe without hard proof (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; John 5:39, 40). He simply notes that not everyone is blessed with the same level of evidence.
The same humility ought to apply to believing persons today. Though some of God's truth is obvious (Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1), modern advances have given us resources far beyond those of prior generations. Evidence, texts, arguments, and examples that scholars of the past never saw are available to almost every person today. Before we pat ourselves on the back for belief, or our response to the gospel, we should remember statements like this from Christ. Those alive today have truly "seen" things which add weight to the truths God wants us to understand (Hebrews 12:12).
John's aside, in the next verses (John 20:30-31) follows from that same idea. That which God has given us ought to be enough (John 20:30-31) and was chosen for a reason (John 21:25).
Versículo bíblico diario nocturno, noche 183: El versículo bíblico diario de esta noche está tomado de Juan 20:29 (NVI). Los discípulos de Jesús se resistían a la idea de que había resucitado. Lo habían oído predecir ese acontecimiento (Juan 2:19-22; Lucas 18:33). Lo habían visto resucitar a otros de la muerte (Juan 11:43-44). Testigos presenciales le habían visto vivo (Juan 20:17-18; Lucas 24:10-11; 23-24). Sin embargo, no aceptaron la verdad hasta que Jesús se les apareció personalmente (Juan 20:19-23). Tomás había sido especialmente testarudo, pero también llegó a creer una vez que Jesús se le apareció (Juan 20:24-28).
El comentario que Jesús hace aquí señala que la mayoría de la gente nunca tendrá las experiencias que disfrutaron estos hombres. Cuando los discípulos salgan a predicar el Evangelio, hablarán a personas que no verán a Jesús en persona. Predicarán a los que no tienen el beneficio de un encuentro directo y personal con Dios. Eso debería ser humillante: estos hombres nunca tendrán motivos para pensar que son de alguna manera mejores, o más espirituales, que aquellos a quienes predican. Jesús no quiere decir que sea mejor creer sin pruebas fehacientes (Hechos 17:11; 1 Juan 4:1; Juan 5:39, 40). Simplemente señala que no todo el mundo ha sido bendecido con el mismo nivel de pruebas.
La misma humildad debería aplicarse a las personas creyentes de hoy. Aunque parte de la verdad de Dios es obvia (Romanos 1:18-20; Salmo 19:1), los avances modernos nos han proporcionado recursos muy superiores a los de generaciones anteriores. Pruebas, textos, argumentos y ejemplos que los eruditos del pasado nunca vieron están hoy al alcance de casi todas las personas. Antes de darnos palmaditas en la espalda por creer, o por nuestra respuesta al evangelio, deberíamos recordar declaraciones como esta de Cristo. Los que viven hoy han «visto» verdaderamente cosas que añaden peso a las verdades que Dios quiere que entendamos (Hebreos 12:12).
El aparte de Juan, en los versículos siguientes (Juan 20:30-31) se desprende de esa misma idea. Lo que Dios nos ha dado debería ser suficiente (Juan 20:30-31) y fue elegido por una razón (Juan 21:25).
The verse from John 20:29 emphasizes the blessedness of those who believe without seeing. This resonates deeply in today's context, where faith is often challenged by a lack of tangible evidence. Historical figures like Thomas highlight the struggle of doubt versus faith. In modern times, many face similar challenges in their spiritual journeys. Resources such as scripture, scholarly works, and community discussions can enhance understanding and belief. It's crucial to recognize that faith isn't solely based on miraculous experiences but also on the weight of the truths revealed through God's word. As believers today, we have access to unprecedented information about God's works and promises. This highlights our responsibility in nurturing our faith with humility and gratitude, recognizing that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. The message encourages us to reflect on our own faith journeys, urging us to appreciate the evidence we have been given through the scriptures and the experiences of others. It challenges us to engage with God's word and to foster a deeper understanding of what it means to live by faith. In acknowledging this, we become part of a larger narrative—one that spans generations—and helps us cultivate a faith that, while sometimes invisible, is profoundly powerful and transformative.
