Scripture reading: John 20:24-29
Artemis II, which concluded on April 11, 2026, marked a historic return to deep space. As the Orion spacecraft passed behind the Moon’s far side, communication with Earth was lost for 40 minutes.
Just before the scheduled signal interruption, Victor Glover, the pilot of the mission, shared a simple but powerful message: “We love you, from the Moon. We will see you on the other side.” Those words echo something far deeper than space exploration.
When John set out to write his Gospel, no one could have imagined that travelling around the Moon would one day be possible. Yet he was convinced of something even more extraordinary: that Jesus is God (John 1:1). The very Creator of the universe had descended to Earth on a mission to save humanity from sin (John 1:14).
That mission led Him to the cross, where He descended into death for our sake. But death was not the end. On the third day, He rose again, returning from “the other side” (John 11:25–26).
When Thomas first heard news of Jesus’ resurrection, he struggled to believe. It was too unprecedented, too impossible. No one had ever come back from the dead. He needed proof (John 20:24–25).
In grace, Jesus met him in his doubt. “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)
Thomas responded, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). In that moment, he made one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity in the Gospels.
Jesus then spoke words that reach across time to us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
Artemis II reminds us of humanity’s courage to venture into the unknown. But the resurrection of Jesus reveals something far greater—the certainty that the unknown does not have the final word. Where no one had returned before, He did. Where doubt once stood, faith now stands. And where death seemed like the end, He made it a doorway to life.
Because He lives, the “other side” is no longer something to fear, but a promise of life and unimaginable hope (1 Peter 1:3).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, who stepped into our world and went even to the depths of death for us. Thank You that He did not remain there but rose again in victory.
Lord, in moments when life feels uncertain, and I cannot see what lies ahead, help me to trust You. Strengthen my faith where there is doubt, and remind me that You are already present in every “unknown” I face.
Because Jesus lives, fill my heart with hope and courage. Help me to hold on to the promise of life on the other side.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for joining us for today’s encouragement. If this message blessed you, kindly share it with someone who may also be encouraged by it.
Until next time, stay blessed.
On Rounds with Jesus 