Holy Week Devotional
An 8 day devotional, written by members of our church family, dedicated to bringing us through the period of holy week. All leading up to Christs work on the Cross. Join us .
Resurrection Sunday/Kim Smith
Devotional #8
“On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.” Luke 24:1
Followers and disciples of Jesus just went through the worst couple days of their lives. The man they thought was going to save Israel had been tortured, crucified, died, and was buried. Their hope was shattered, but their love was not. Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of James and Joseph, Salome, and Joanna got up early in the morning to take proper care of his body. Even though he was dead, they were still drawn to Jesus, still drawn to serving Him. They were met with a surprise: Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had told them He would! They were then given the job of telling the disciples the good news, so they ran, full of fear and joy.
The disciples were together when the women arrived to tell them about Jesus. They didn’t believe them, so Peter and John ran to the tomb. They also found the tomb empty and their despair turned to marvel at what had happened. (Luke 24:12) A little later, they would see Jesus in person too!
Two men were walking to the village of Emmaus, discussing the events of the last few days. They had also hoped Jesus was going to redeem Israel. Their hopes were dashed, and they no doubt wondered what would happen next. Jesus joined them and talked with them, and “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27) When their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, they went immediately back to Jerusalem to tell the good news to the disciples: Jesus is alive!
Thomas doubted the news when he heard. But Jesus appeared again, eight days later. Thomas saw Jesus and believed, confessing “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) His world was changed, just like the others.
There is a lot in the world today that can bring us down, bring us grief, test our faith, or steal our hope and joy. When we focus on world events or even just events in our own lives, we can feel like the disciples, sad, doubting, or wondering what will happen next. But we don’t need to despair: Jesus rose from the dead! He still lives, and is coming again according to plan! We take hope and rejoice, because He lives in us when we invite Him in. His power is made perfect in our weakness, so we can be vulnerable with Him and know His words in John 20:29 are true: “…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And yet, He will still show us who He is. Have you looked for Him today?
He is risen! Thank you, Jesus, for your great love for us and obedience to our Father’s plan for our salvation and an eternal relationship!
Followers and disciples of Jesus just went through the worst couple days of their lives. The man they thought was going to save Israel had been tortured, crucified, died, and was buried. Their hope was shattered, but their love was not. Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of James and Joseph, Salome, and Joanna got up early in the morning to take proper care of his body. Even though he was dead, they were still drawn to Jesus, still drawn to serving Him. They were met with a surprise: Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had told them He would! They were then given the job of telling the disciples the good news, so they ran, full of fear and joy.
The disciples were together when the women arrived to tell them about Jesus. They didn’t believe them, so Peter and John ran to the tomb. They also found the tomb empty and their despair turned to marvel at what had happened. (Luke 24:12) A little later, they would see Jesus in person too!
Two men were walking to the village of Emmaus, discussing the events of the last few days. They had also hoped Jesus was going to redeem Israel. Their hopes were dashed, and they no doubt wondered what would happen next. Jesus joined them and talked with them, and “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27) When their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, they went immediately back to Jerusalem to tell the good news to the disciples: Jesus is alive!
Thomas doubted the news when he heard. But Jesus appeared again, eight days later. Thomas saw Jesus and believed, confessing “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) His world was changed, just like the others.
There is a lot in the world today that can bring us down, bring us grief, test our faith, or steal our hope and joy. When we focus on world events or even just events in our own lives, we can feel like the disciples, sad, doubting, or wondering what will happen next. But we don’t need to despair: Jesus rose from the dead! He still lives, and is coming again according to plan! We take hope and rejoice, because He lives in us when we invite Him in. His power is made perfect in our weakness, so we can be vulnerable with Him and know His words in John 20:29 are true: “…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And yet, He will still show us who He is. Have you looked for Him today?
He is risen! Thank you, Jesus, for your great love for us and obedience to our Father’s plan for our salvation and an eternal relationship!