Reading: John 19-21
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you(John 20:19-21).
On the first day of the week, the coming of dawn brought a miraculous sight at Joseph of Arimathea's new garden tomb. Mary Magdalene had arrived before first light to discover that the Savior had arisen, and with His Resurrection, a new and victorious day dawned for the human race. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:54).
Acceptance with God was obtained at the moment when Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost (John 19:30). As the words It is finished triumphantly rang from the cross on Calvary, the sin debt of all believers past, present and future was paid in full. The resurrection then brought to man proof of reconciliation and peace with God. Jesus paid the debt and broke the chains of death. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Rev. 1:18).
Although Jesus had explained to the disciples that His death was only temporary and His resurrection was assured (20:18-19; Mark 8:31; Luke 18:31-32), they had still reacted to His crucifixion with grief, hiding behind closed doors in fear of the Jews. Sorrow gave way to rejoicing, however, when came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
As the disciples rejoiced, Jesus began preparing them for the daunting task ahead of them. Although the essential work had been completed on the cross, mankind’s individual salvation was not guaranteed. Jesus had torn the veil separating God from man (Mark 15:38), but to receive everlasting life, each person would still have to choose to take Christ’s hand and walk through the door. The task of spreading the Gospel of Christ and pointing out the open doorway fell to the faithful Eleven.
Where would we be today if the disciples had decided that the risk was too great and had returned to their fishing instead? They were, after all, only human. After Jesus' arrest, Peter had vehemently denied Him, and all the rest had forsaken Him in His suffering. What would have happened to Christ’s church if they had decided that it was too dangerous to openly follow the teachings of Jesus? How many people would have died a slave to their sins because they had not been given the chance to experience the love of Jesus?
The same choice has been given to each of us today. Jesus stands before us, saying, as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. Are we brave enough to answer His call? Are we willing to live our faith 24 hours a day, never compromising, no matter the circumstances? Will we live for Him? Will we die for Him?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you(John 15:13-14).
Thought For TodayTheir inability to see God is enough for many to discount His promises; the certainty that He can see us keeps the faithful watching for His return.
Word Studies19:1 scourged = whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished = His physical ministry was complete.
Cross Reference: For John 19:24: See Ps. 22:18. John 19:36: See Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20. John 19:37: See Zech. 12:10.
Pray For Staff:Ryan McCrary • Government Official: Rep. Mark Green (TN), Gov. Joe Lombardo (NV) • Country: Guam (161,001) North Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: English, Filipino • Religious Freedom • 85% Roman Catholic; 15% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for His mercy (Ps. 136:2).