Day 14

The Risen Lord

Read: John 20-21

Then & There

Early on the first day of the week, while it is still dark…

Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb. The stone is rolled away.

She runs and tells the others.

Something is not as it should be.

Peter and John run to see.

They look in.

They begin to believe…

but do not yet understand.

Mary remains.

Weeping.

Waiting.

Wondering what has happened.

And then…Jesus stands before her.

But she does not recognize Him.

“Woman, why are you weeping?

Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

And then - He says her name. “Mary.”

And in that moment…she knows.

Later, behind locked doors, the disciples gather in fear.

And Jesus comes to them.

Not after the fear is gone - but in the middle of it.

And He says, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)

He shows them His hands.

His side.

He is not a memory.

He is alive.

He breathes on them, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit". (John 20:22)

New life.

New beginning.

And then Thomas.

Honest in his doubt.

Unwilling to pretend belief.

And Jesus comes to him too.

Come closer. See for yourself.

And Thomas responds,

“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

The One who had been revealing who He is all along…now stands before them, fully known.

And still…He comes close.

Still…He speaks.

Still…He calls.

Notice About God

The resurrection is not just an event.

It is an encounter.

Jesus is revealed as “my Lord and my God”.

And still…He draws near.

He meets people in grief,

in fear,

in doubt…

and calls them by name.

He reveals who He is…

and in doing so, reminds us who we are.

Here & Now Reflection

The risen Jesus still comes close.

He still speaks.

He still calls.

Where do you need to recognize His voice today?

What might it look like to respond when He calls your name?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You that You are alive.

Thank You that You come close and meet me where I am.

Help me to recognize Your voice, 

to trust Your presence, 

and to respond to You with faith.

Amen.

🕊️

An Invitation 

As you’ve walked through this journey…you’ve seen who Jesus is.

The One who gave Himself.

The One who held you in the silence.

The One who is alive… and still calling.

And today, the invitation is personal.

Just like Thomas, there comes a moment where we respond:

“My Lord and my God.”

Not just knowing about Him…but choosing to trust Him.

To follow Him.

To receive the life He offers.

If you’ve never made that decision, or if you feel the Lord drawing you back again…

you can respond right now.

A Prayer to Begin 

Jesus, I hear You calling my name. And today, I choose to respond.

I believe that You are the Son of God.

That You gave Your life for me and rose again.

I receive Your forgiveness.

I receive Your love.

I receive the new life You offer.

And I say today:

You are my Lord and my God.

Teach me to walk with You.

To know You.

To follow You.

Thank You for meeting me here.

Amen.

If you prayed this today, you are not alone.

This is just the beginning of walking with Him.