How can we apply the disciples' investigative approach to our faith journey? Investigative Faith in Action Luke 24:24 — “Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had described, but Him they did not see.” What the Disciples Actually Did • Listened to eyewitnesses (the women) without dismissing them • Went to the tomb to verify the report for themselves • Honestly admitted what they still did not understand (“but Him they did not see”) • Stayed in community while processing the evidence Why Their Approach Matters for Us • God invites thoughtful faith, not blind credulity • Investigation deepens conviction and guards against deception • The Lord often reveals Himself progressively, not all at once Principles to Carry into Today 1. Receive Testimony with Respect • The women’s report was the first link in a chain of evidence • Cross-reference: John 20:18 — Mary Magdalene announces, “I have seen the Lord!” 2. Verify through Personal Engagement • Peter and John ran to the tomb (John 20:6-8) and “saw and believed.” • Faith grows when we open Scripture, examine history, and look honestly at our doubts. 3. Examine the Word Daily • Acts 17:11 — The Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” • Scripture is the ultimate measuring stick; check every claim against it. 4. Hold Evidence and Mystery Together • “but Him they did not see” reminds us that some questions linger. • Hebrews 11:1 — Faith is “the conviction of what we do not see.” Evidence and trust walk hand in hand. 5. Process in Community • They went together; isolation breeds confusion, fellowship clarifies. • Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” 6. Let Investigation Lead to Encounter • Soon after their search, Jesus met them on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:31). • When we pursue truth, the risen Christ delights to reveal Himself. Supporting Verses to Strengthen Investigative Faith • 1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Psalm 34:8 — “Taste and see that the LORD is good.” • 2 Peter 1:16 — “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” Putting It into Practice • Read a Gospel straight through this week, noting every evidence-based statement. • Compare key prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 53; Psalm 22) with their New-Testament fulfillment. • Discuss findings with a trusted believer; sharpen one another. • Bring unresolved questions back to Scripture, confident the Lord welcomes honest seekers. |
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