Day 318

Risen

Read: John 20-21

Jesus died, but that was not the end. Because of what happened to him on Easter morning, that is not the end for us either. “Jesus lives and so shall I!” Peter and John saw the tomb was empty. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. That Sunday night, he appeared to his disciples. Thomas missed the blessing because he was somewhere else. If your church has evening worship, Jesus is there meeting with his disciples. Don’t miss that blessing by your absence.

The next Sunday, the risen Jesus again visits his disciples. This time Thomas is not only present, but seeing Jesus, he breaks forth in a great confession, “My Lord and my God” (20:28). Jesus is God in human flesh; he has risen from the dead. Let us confess our faith in him by word and deed, not only in the church but also in the world around us.

Jesus meets with several disciples who went back to their old job of fishing. These appearances of the risen Lord, along with others mentioned in the other gospels, point to the historical reality of the resurrection. In our Scripture passage for today, we find the reason why the Gospel of John was written: “These are written that you may believe . . . and that believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). The purpose for John’s Gospel is evangelism. If you or someone you know is not saved, read or ask them to read the Gospel of John.

PRAYER
Father, as today people read John’s Gospel, may its purpose be fulfilled—may they believe and find true life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.