Encounter: The Disciples

Scripture: John 20:19-23 NET

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” And after he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

I can only imagine what the disciples were talking about while they were hiding and afraid for their lives. You had proved again and again that you were the Son of God; they had even witnessed you bringing people back to life. Yet they couldn’t get past the reality of your death to embrace the power you possessed to overcome it. In their midst once again, your greeting was one of comfort and kindness: “Peace be with you.” That’s what I need today, Lord. Peace. Your peace. The peace that comes from knowing you are all-powerful, sovereign, and always with me. Amen.

Read all of 40 Days of Prayer at easter.crossings.church.