Jesus & The Resurrection
A 3-Day Devotional from Pastor Bill's Easter Message April 5, 2026
Day 1: Peace in the Midst of Fear
READ:
John 20:19-23
DEVO:
We often think that we need to get our lives in order or find a sense of inner calm before we can truly encounter God. However, the first appearance of the resurrected Jesus to His disciples tells a different story. The disciples were huddled behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. They weren't in a "holy" frame of mind; they were in survival mode. It was into this atmosphere of anxiety that Jesus appeared. He didn't rebuke them for their lack of courage; instead, He offered them peace. This wasn't just a polite greeting; it was the gift of His presence that changed the very atmosphere of the room.
When Jesus speaks peace, it is a peace based on a finished work. By showing them His hands and His side, He was reminding them that the price for their sins had been paid and the victory over death had been won. This same peace is available to you today. Whatever "locked doors" you are hiding behind—whether they are doors of guilt, fear of the future, or the pain of the past—Jesus is able to step through them. He offers you a peace that is not dependent on your circumstances but on His presence within you through the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION:
What is the "locked door" in your life right now where you most need to hear Jesus say, "Peace be with you"?
Day 2: The Grace of a Second Chance
READ:
John 20:19-23
DEVO:
Thomas often gets a bad reputation for his doubt, but his story is actually one of the most encouraging in the Bible because it reveals the incredible patience of Jesus. Thomas missed the first meeting. We don't know why, but we know he wasn't there. For a full week, he lived in the tension of hearing others talk about a miracle he hadn't experienced himself. He even set a high bar for his own faith, claiming he would "never believe" unless he had physical proof.
Notice how Jesus responds. He doesn't cast Thomas out for his skepticism. Instead, eight days later, Jesus shows up again. He specifically addresses Thomas's doubts, offering exactly what Thomas said he needed to believe. Jesus is the God of second chances. He knows our struggles, our stubbornness, and our requirements for "proof." He is willing to meet us in our honest seeking. If you feel like you've missed out or that your doubts have pushed you away from God, remember that He is patient. He is not finished with you, and He is more than capable of turning your "never" into a "yes."
APPLICATION:
What is the "locked door" in your life right now where you most need to hear Jesus say, "Peace be with you"?
​​​Day 3: From Belief to Abundant Life
READ:
John 20:28-31
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DEVO:
The climax of the Gospel of John isn't just the empty tomb; it’s the personal confession of a former doubter. When Thomas finally sees Jesus, he doesn't just acknowledge the facts of the resurrection; he makes it personal: "My Lord and my God." This is the goal for every one of us. It is one thing to believe in the historical fact of the resurrection, as many do, but it is another thing entirely to apply that truth personally. This personal "yes" to Jesus is what opens the door to the "abundant life" He promised.
John concludes his book by telling us his specific purpose for writing: so that we might believe and have life. This "life" is the Greek word zoe—referring to the very life of God Himself. It is a life that begins the moment we believe and continues into eternity. It is a life marked by a new power, a new purpose, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. We are actually more "blessed" than Thomas because we believe based on the testimony of the Word and the witness of the Spirit. Today, embrace the fact that you are a "born again" person with a purpose that goes far beyond this world.
APPLICATION:
How does calling Jesus "my Lord and my God" change the way you view your purpose for this coming week?
