The Apostle Thomas was one who insisted on seeing and feeling the print of the nails in Jesus' hands, after the resurrection, before he would believe Jesus was alive. Jesus had to say to him, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) Today, we can't experience Jesus with our physical senses. To know Jesus today, we need to see and believe with the eyes of faith. When we do just that, Jesus still calls us blessed. (John 20:29)

As John explains, "...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:31) In addition, John addresses us in his three epistles as a loving father. "My little children," (1 John 2:1) he says, drawing us into the knowledge of Jesus Christ with words of endearment. His love disarms and brings us to himself in the same way Jesus shows us His Heavenly Father.

John repeats the phrase, "little children" over and over again, lovingly embracing and drawing us to him, gently correcting and instructing his readers, and us, in the way of Jesus. He has much to say about abiding in Him, practicing righteousness, keeping His commandments, loving one another and when we finally grow up, being like Jesus!

Jesus said to His disciples, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:14,15)

I want to be like a little child, open and trusting, ready to be embraced by Jesus and be a part of the kingdom of God!

What's the result after Jesus has accepted us? We can jump for joy! We can dance and sing God's praises! He's come into our hearts, filled us with new life. We are changed! In our exuberance we have grown into a child again. Hallelujah!