What Jesus Did! 'From Peace to Passion' — John 20:21

Thursday, December 17, 2026

Again [Jesus] said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."
— John 20:21 NLT

Key Thought

So often in our world, peace is a selfish retreat from the world. For Jesus, peace was something he received from his times of rest with his Father so he could go back and minister to the world. Jesus calls us to find our peace in him - a peace rooted in his defeat of death, his presence in us through his Holy Spirit, and his assurance of our future with him. That peace, however, should fuel our passion for doing the work of Jesus and for being sent by him into the world to bless it with his grace.

Today's Prayer

Father, please fuel my passion for touching the lost and broken around me with the grace of Jesus. Give me the peace of your dear Son so that I, too, will go to bless a fractured world. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

24 Related Resources by Heartlight

I Am Sending You!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Again [Jesus] said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.""
Receive the Spirit
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you..."
Strange Neighbors
Article by Phil Ware
Why would God place us in close proximity to these people? Phil Ware talks about weird neighbors and who God has sent us to hear so we can lead them to Christ.
More than Words
Article by Phil Ware
God spoke His greatest message with just one Word! Phil Ware talks about why he and about 100 others go to Peru each year when it costs so much.
See All 24 Related Resources about John 20:21

Illustration

Illustration of John 20:21 NLT — Again [Jesus] said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 17, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Timing and Guidance' (Acts 11:11)
"[Peter continued explaining what happened with Cornelius, saying:] "Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Relying on God' (2 Co. 11:29-31)
"Dear Father, almighty God, "Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? If I must boast, I will boast of the things...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Right Beside Me' (Ps. 16:7)
"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Confession and Cleansing' (1 Jn. 1:9)
"If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive 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!