When the first Christians came to Japan... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Luke 11:9.

When the first Christians came to Japan, a group of Buddhist priests met to decide how best to prevent this new religion from taking root. One of them named Yohoi suggested that each priest should study the doctrine of this new religion. He himself set a good example and obtained a New Testament the same day.

For several months he studied it carefully. At first he was astonished at the literary beauty of the book; then he became convinced that it was of divine origin: its true character struck him. He recognised himself as a sinner and needed Christ as his Saviour. He gave up his temple ministry and went on reading. He became all the more conscious that God is holy, that He judges sins, and that he, Yohoi, was therefore lost. In his despair he was about to throw the book away and return to Buddhism. But then he read the words of the Lord Jesus: "Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden." For a whole night he lay awake, thinking about this; he believed and experienced: "I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Yohoi began confessing Christ as his Saviour and Lord. He constantly resorted to the words that had given him rest, but preferred speaking about the Saviour Himself.

Whether one has been brought up as a Christian, Buddhist or atheist makes no difference: everyone can begin to read the Bible thoroughly, consciously and questioningly, as Yohoi did. God will acknowledge it and give an answer.

Today's reading: Jeremiah 16:1-21 · Luke 23:1-12