If you know the story of Jesus, the news that he did not remain in the tomb but came back to life from the dead is familiar to you. Read John’s description in John 20:1-29 of these first moments. The resurrection not only took Jesus’ followers by surprise but it also took them time to process.
Look at verses 19 through 21 for more of this post-resurrection scene:
That Sunday evening 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! Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
Jesus gives them this greeting in verse 19: “Peace be with you.”
As you celebrate today, how can you receive the peace that comes from Jesus’ presence? Where do you need his peace?
As Jesus speaks to his followers (who were still in hiding), he offers them the greeting of peace, but he also tells them that he is sending them out. The good news of Jesus’ resurrection brings incredible hope, and he intends for us to share it.
How can you share the hope you have in Jesus today? Is there someone you know who needs some hope? How can you encourage them this week?
Easter is more than a one-day celebration. The good news of Jesus’ victory over sin and death is the foundation of our faith. It’s at the center of who we are and what we do! How can you keep walking in the hope of the resurrected Jesus in the days and weeks ahead?
Thanks so much for joining us for Holy Week devotions this week. If you’d like to see some resource suggestions, visit
wschurch.org/resources.