What Jesus Did! 'They Went Home?' — John 20:9-10

Saturday, December 12, 2026

[For until John and Peter saw the empty tomb,] they still hadn't understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home.
— John 20:9-10 NLT

Key Thought

John and Peter have made the most amazing discovery in the history of the universe, and what did they do? They went home! They went home? Why didn't they go out into the streets of Jerusalem and shout the news? Why didn't they tell everyone within earshot that Jesus was alive again? I'm not sure, but there is something powerful and centering about what they did: "they went home." Our faith must be lived and shared at home. We must try to make sure it works there, is demonstrated there, and is shared there. Faith must work with the people who know us, know our hearts, and know our disappointments. The Gospel always starts where we are and radiates out. So they went home. Maybe it's time we put more effort into taking our knowledge of the resurrected Lord home, first!

Today's Prayer

Lord God Almighty, please help my influence and my character at home to be a blessing to my family. Help them see the power of the resurrected Lord in what I do, what I say, and how I treat them. Give me the influence and the integrity to inspire faith among those I love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Welcome to Son Rise
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower and Friend, Let there be light. And light flashed into being. (Genesis 1:3)Yes, I was there the very first time light drove away the..."
Easter Clothes
Article by Rick Brown
What kind of clothes did Jesus wear that first Easter Sunday. Rick Brown reminds us what is important about the clothes we wear on Easter and that Jesus appeared to Mary as a gardener.
Which Way Will I Run?
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Will I run in faith to follow the Jesus of the empty tomb even if it means I have to follow him to a cross of my own? James Nored and Phil Ware share in video, words, and images some of the many reasons Christians have to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is Lord, Christ, Jesus, and Son of God!

Illustration

Illustration of John 20:9-10 NLT — [For until John and Peter saw the empty tomb,] they still hadn't understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, December 12, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Protects from all Attack & Destruction'
"You need not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the plague that spreads in the darkness, or the destruction that..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Romans 12:9
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'More than Filling the Gap' (Acts 1:20-21)
"Peter continued [about the need to replace Judas], "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, 'Let his home become desolate, with no one...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Glorious Grace Poured Out On Us' (Ep. 1:6-8)
"So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!