You Can’t Duck the Truth – Family Devotion – May 13, 2022

Read: John 10:22-30

The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me.
John 10:25b

You Can’t Duck the Truth

 

Family Devotion – May 13, 2022

Devotion based on John 10:25b

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There is a popular phrase that you can likely finish: “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a…” That’s right. A duck. The lesson behind this phrase is that you can’t ignore evidence. Ducks waddle, swim, and quack. That’s what makes them ducks! It would be silly to call them something else, wouldn’t it?

Our reading today comes from a time in history when many of God’s children were looking for the promised Messiah—someone who be their great champion, liberator, and savior. There were many different ideas around town about what the Messiah would look like and how he would act. And then Jesus came, attracting all kinds of attention for his amazing teaching and his powerful healing. He described himself as being sent by God the Father to do his work (John 8:16,42; John 9:4). He had recently fed more than 5,000 people with nothing but a boy’s lunch. He had healed a man who was born blind. The evidence was mounting.

Jesus knew that people like to hear more than words. People can argue about words. That’s why Jesus had all kinds of evidence to back up his words. “The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,” he said to curious people looking at him. Who else could do the kind of miracles Jesus was doing? Who else fit all the descriptions of the Messiah that the prophets had written down so the people would know what to look for? Jesus was saying, “If I do the things only the Messiah could do, then I must be…” That’s right. The Messiah.

Many of the people following Jesus during his ministry did not believe he was the Messiah. They ignored the evidence. It’s easy for us to point to them and say, “How silly! Why don’t you believe?” But sin is powerful. It causes people to ignore the evidence and follow their own logical conclusions.

Sometimes we ignore evidence, too. We know Jesus is powerful enough to help us through any situation on any day, yet how many days do we worry? He promises to be with us, yet how often do we forget that when we need it most? He promises the best ending ever—life with him in heaven—as our ultimate, yet something happens that makes us feel as if our world is ending!

That’s when we confess our weakness, doubt, and fear and ask for forgiveness. Then all that’s left is to simply believe that if Jesus is who he says he is—our great Champion and Savior—we have forgiveness and eternal life. He’s backed up his words with his saving actions! He is our Savior! No one can say otherwise. The evidence is plain and true.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for all the amazing evidence you provided to help us recognize you as our Savior. Most importantly, thank you for your resurrection that proves your victory over death. Help us believe in you always. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How did you learn about Jesus as your Savior?
  • What did Jesus do on Easter that only a powerful Savior could do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Name three things did Jesus did that identifies him as the promised Messiah?
  • Why do you think people ignore the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah? When do you find yourself tempted to do the same?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Give an example of how the world we live in today replaces Jesus with their own set of “facts.”
  • Cite evidence from today’s devotion that can help you when your faith in Jesus is shaken.

 

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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