Scripture Passage: John 20:19-20
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
Devotion:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an amazing testament to God’s powerful love for us. It is an event that transformed not only Jesus from death to new life but also changed His followers from despair to joy, from fear to courage.
Imagine being one of those disciples on that first day of the week after Jesus’ crucifixion. Fear had overtaken you. Your world was shattered, your hopes destroyed. And then…Jesus appeared in your midst! Alive! Showing His hands and side as evidence He had truly overcome death.
The disciples’ response? Overjoying joy! The word in Greek carries connotations of being ecstatic, filled with awe. This wasn’t just happiness; this was a deep-seated joy born out of seeing their resurrected Lord.
And this is also our reality as followers of Christ today – we too share in this joy, not because we’ve physically seen the risen Jesus like those early disciples but because we trust in His Word and promise.
The resurrection isn’t just about what happens after we die and attaining eternal life – significant as that certainly is – it’s also about how we live right now as resurrected people. As Christians living today, we can have confidence even amidst our trials because our Savior lives! We can have peace in uncertainty because Jesus has overcome!
In every situation we face today, may we remember that beyond fear there is a peace that Jesus gives – “Peace be with you!” Beyond death there is life. Beyond despair, there is a joy that is overflowing because Jesus is alive!
Let’s start our day with the amazing truth – no matter what we’re facing, Jesus has already overcome. We can have joy, unwavering peace, and courage because of His resurrection.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for overcoming death and giving us a new life in You. Fill us with deep-seated joy knowing that You are risen and alive today. Help us to live as people of the resurrection, emanating Your love, peace, and courage in all that we do. Amen.
Even when the world feels like it’s falling apart around us remember: He is risen! And that changes everything!
