HIStory is Coming

​HIStory is Coming
(Why We Teach & Lead the Children of Grace)
 
I love a good story!
I especially love true stories!
I love it when our family gets together and tells family history stories!
I love the Easter Story!
I love all the little stories inside the Easter Story!
I love the various connections in the Easter Story!
 
This week we begin the telling of Jesus' final walk to the cross.
 
There are three disciples that are mentioned, by name, with key roles, in the events of Christ's death and Resurrection:

1. Judas
2. Peter
3. Thomas

They all play an integral part in the events that lead to our Salvation.

1. Judas betrays Jesus - this is something that had to be done. Jesus had to be turned over to those in charge. Jesus HAD to die. There is no denying this fact. This was made known from the very beginning. There had to be a perfect sacrifice in our place. Jesus knew His time had come. Jesus said, "The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born." (Matthew 26:24).
2. Peter denies Jesus - this is something that Jesus tells Peter he (Peter) will do three times. Peter in his love for his LORD doesn't believe it will happen.
3. Thomas - After the Resurrection, when ten of the Disciples are together in the room and have seen the LORD, Thomas misses out on this wonderful even but doesn't believe. He wants proof! He gets his proof a week later.

Each of these three disciples were examples of sinning against our LORD.
Each of these three disciples responded to their sin differently

1. Judas, while he realized his sin, didn't go to the LORD for forgiveness. Instead, he takes matters into his own hands and ends his life. (Matthew 27) Better that he should not have been born.
2. Peter, upon realizing he has denied the LORD three times, is seen as weeping bitterly and we later see the LORD forgiving Peter as well as reinstating him. (Luke 22:54-62)
3. Thomas, upon seeing the LORD, confesses his belief, by saying, "My LORD and my God!" Jesus then reminds him of the importance of believing by faith.

John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Each of these disciples can be compared to the walks people take in their faith.
Each of these disciples can be compared to the seeds the LORD speaks about in the parable of the SOWER in Matthew 13.
Sadly, Judas' faith mirrored that of the seeds that were not able to produce fruit.
Both Peter and Thomas went on to great ministry in the spreading of the Good News of Salvation in the early Church - even to die for their LORD and Savior.
© vjhelmling