Show Up! // John 20:29

By Mark Jordan | Spiritual Advisor

I’m glad this verse came up today. It’s the fifth “anniversary” of Mia’s death and I miss her dearly. I went through a crisis of faith after she died, but the love of God that was shown to my family and me helped pull us through our grief.

The context of today’s verse is Jesus’ appearance to Thomas and the other disciples a week after the Resurrection. Thomas previously heard from the others about Jesus’ appearance on Easter Sunday, but he wasn’t there to see it with his own two eyes. He couldn’t believe what they told him and then Jesus showed up!

I think the moniker of Doubting Thomas is unfair. Would you be any different? The five basic stages of grief help move us from a sense of shock to denial, then anger, bargaining, and acceptance. Those stages aren’t necessarily linear, but I think it’s safe to assume Thomas was bouncing between shock, denial, and bargaining. That is, until Jesus showed up.

Thomas had his faith rewarded and confessed his belief. Jesus replied by acknowledging the blessing Thomas had for seeing Him, but then offered a nugget for people who believe without having the ability to see Jesus in the flesh.

Personally, I’m certain I’ve seen Jesus. He didn’t just appear in my house and allow me to place my hand in his wounds, but He showed up, and through others, entered into my wounds. Much of the entire community showed up at the hospital. Friends and family came to fill the emptiness in our home. A couple men who also performed CPR on their loved ones helped me begin to process the hole in my soul. Casseroles came to fill our bellies. People did cleaning, brought trash bags, and disposable flatware. One of the firemen who worked on Mia came all on his own to mow our grass. Oh, Jesus showed up, I assure you, and because of that it’s not just that I still believe, but I believe more than ever. I will never forget how God showed up that day. It’s a day I never want to live again, but I know I live because Jesus lives. And because Jesus lives, I was able to face another day, and face every day since.

Some people will struggle with faith without being able to see. This is where you and I come in…we have a responsibility to make the love of God visible and tangible for those who are suffering. So, who do you know needs some TLC? How can God work through you to help? Will you show up? I promise you it will change a life. I know, because five years ago today, God showed up!