Unseen, but Loved

Bible Reading: John 20:24-29

It was Grandparents’ Day at Matthew’s school, and the kids were taking turns introducing their grandparents to the class. When it was Matthew’s turn, he went forward and proudly introduced his grandparents.

“Grandma and Grandpa Smith are visiting from Arizona,” he said. “They like to travel, and they’re going to take me to the Grand Canyon the next time I visit.” Matthew turned to his other grandmother. “Grandma Peters lives here, so I see her a lot. She’s teaching me how to play the piano, and she always makes me laugh.”

Then Matthew held up a picture for everyone to see. “This is my other grandpa. He’s not here today because he’s in heaven. He went there before I was born, so I never saw him. But I feel like I know him because Dad and Mom and Grandma tell me all about him. He was always helping people, and he was a great baseball pitcher.” Matthew smiled and returned to his seat beside his grandparents.

That evening, Matthew told his mom and dad about Grandparents’ Day. “I’m glad you tell me about Grandpa Peters and how he was always kind and helped people,” Matthew said. “I feel like I love him even though I’ve never seen him.”

Dad smiled. “I love someone I’ve never seen too,” he said, “Do you know who that is?”

Matthew looked uncertain for a moment, then smiled. “I think you mean Jesus,” he said. “I love Jesus too. So does Mom and all my grandparents.”

“Yes, we do,” said Mom. “You love Grandpa Peters because we tell you how good and kind he was. Why do you love Jesus?”

“Well, the Bible tells me how good He is,” replied Matthew. “He loves me too! And He gives me lots of good things—you and Dad and my friends and everything I need. Best of all, He died for me, and He’s always with me—I can talk to Him anytime.”

“That’s exactly right, Matthew,” said Dad. “We love Jesus even though we’ve never seen Him—but someday we will see Him, won’t we?”

“Yep!” Matthew grinned. “Just like Grandpa Peters is seeing Him in heaven now!”

– Teresa M. Beverly

How About You?

Do you love Jesus even though you’ve never seen Him? He loves you—so much that He died to take the punishment you deserve. Love Him in return. Confess your sin and trust in Him as your Savior. Then you can look forward to seeing Him face to face in heaven someday. (See “The ABCs of Salvation” on the right column of this page..)

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 1:8 You have not seen Christ, but still you love him. You can’t see him now, but you believe in him. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Return Jesus’ love