What Jesus Did! 'From Fear to Joy!' — John 20:19-20

Sunday, December 16, 2018

That Sunday evening [of the resurrection day] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!
— John 20:19-20 NLT
Illustration of John 20:19-20 NLT — "Peace be with you,"

Key Thought

What a roller-coaster weekend it had been for Jesus' disciples. He was arrested, tried, and executed. They had eaten Passover with him and then abandoned him in his hour of need. They had been marked as wanted men; as associates of one who was viewed as a criminal rebel and crucified, they were huddled in a locked room in fear for their lives. They had heard rumors that Jesus was alive, but couldn't quite grasp it with solid faith because it was outside their normal experience or even hope. Then suddenly, he was among them. They heard his voice and were both comforted and thrilled with his familiar greeting, "Shalom!" They saw his crucifixion wounds, and yet there he was among them. Suddenly, joy rushed in and forced out every other emotion. The Lord is alive! I see him with my eyes! He lives! And so do we!

Today's Prayer

O God, my Father, thank you for the assurance of life I have as your child. Thank you for my Savior and Lord, who also claims me as his younger brother. I look forward so much to the day when I will see him and you, dear Father, face-to-face. Until that day, please know that I will build my life on the power of my risen Lord, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 2:11-15
  • 1 John 3:1-2
  • 1 Peter 1:8-9

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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