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

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

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 16, 2018

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Giver' (Jn. 4:10)
"Jesus replied [to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well], "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 48:8
"It is painful to remember that, in a certain degree, this accusation may be laid at the door of believers, who too often are in a measure spiritually...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Control Your Tongue' (Pr. 13:3-4)
"Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Luke 1:46
"Mary said, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.... The Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.""

Illustration

Illustration of John 20:19-20 NLT — "Peace be with you,"

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!