Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Over the past two days in our reading, the power and authority of Jesus have been on display. Even in the midst of what seemed like dire circumstances, Jesus being arrested in the garden, and then on trial and being crucified, we were reminded that Jesus was and is always in control. Well, that theme continues today in John 20.
The tomb is empty! Verses 6-7 tell us what Peter saw when he went into the tomb.

“He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.”

I love the details! The commentary in my study Bible gives us some great insight into these details. It says that the grave clothes were left as if Jesus’ body had simply vacated them. A grave robber couldn’t possibly have made off with Jesus’ body and left the linens as if they were still shaped around it.

I can’t help but think about Peter. In chapter 18, Peter steps up in defense of Jesus and cuts one of the high priest's servant’s ears off. At the end of chapter 18, he denies even knowing who Jesus is. Three days have passed, and I can't imagine the guilt, shame, and confusion that Peter has experienced. Here we are in chapter 20, and it says that Peter went straight into the tomb! I think this is relevant. Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been removed and went to tell Peter and John. They take off running toward the tomb. John arrives first, and the Bible says that he bent over and looked but did not go in. Peter, on the other hand, “went straight into the tomb!” He just busts up in there! The boldness!

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

The disciples found themselves, no doubt, in a time of need! Verse 4 tells us that they were both running and that John even outran Peter. There is a sense of desperation to encounter their Lord. I find it really interesting that John outran Peter, but Peter was the first to go in the tomb. Both are desperate, John approached with reverence, and Peter approached with boldness. Both encountered the power of Jesus.

Prayer is our approach to God, and scripture says that we are to come with confidence. Come to Him with reverence (like John) because He is your King. Come to Him with bold assurance (like Peter) because He is your Friend and Counselor.

Death could not keep Jesus in that tomb, because once again, He was and is always in control!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Spend time with the Lord today with confidence that He is who He says He is, and acknowledge in reverence His holiness.

Family Devo: John 20

By: Amanda Carpenter

Are you responsible for chores in your house? Maybe someone has asked you to clean your room, do your homework, or help clean the kitchen after supper. All of us have jobs to do every day. In John 20, Jesus gives the disciples a very important job to do. Jesus has risen from the tomb and appeared to His disciples. In one of His visits to the disciples, He says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Jesus came to set an example of how we should tell others about the Lord. He wants them to tell others how much Jesus loves them and that He died for them. He wants them to know that He is alive and wants a relationship with them. Guess what? This is our job too. The Bible tells us that, “We are Christ’s official messengers” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIRV).

Sometimes it is awkward to talk about Jesus. Thankfully, God sent the Holy Spirit to help guide us when we tell others about Him. Pray about talking to other people about Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your conversations.

• Tell someone about Jesus and invite them to come to church with you.
• Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Your example and tell other people about You. Give me the words to say so I can do the job You have asked me to do. Amen.