Second Sunday of Easter Devotional
Day 1: Peace in the Midst of Fear
Devotional
Fear can be paralyzing. Like the disciples huddled behind locked doors, we often find ourselves trapped by our anxieties and uncertainties. Whether it's fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of what others might think, these emotions can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God's presence. Yet, in these moments of fear, Jesus doesn't wait for us to overcome our anxieties before He draws near. He steps right into our locked rooms, into our protected spaces, and offers His peace.
Bible Verse
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'" - John 20:19
Reflection Question
What 'locked doors' of fear are keeping you from fully experiencing God's peace in your life?
Quote
Jesus doesn't wait for them to get it all figured out. He meets them exactly where they are. And what he brings to them isn't a rebuke. It's not condemnation, right? He brings peace.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me exactly where I am, even in my fear. Help me to receive your peace today and trust that you are with me, regardless of my circumstances. Amen.
Day 2: When Faith Takes Time
Devotional
Sometimes, even when we hear good news, it takes time for our hearts to catch up with the truth. The disciples had heard about the resurrection, but they were still processing this reality. Their struggle reminds us that faith isn't always instantaneous - it's often a journey of gradual understanding and acceptance. God is patient with us in this process, giving us time to absorb and embrace His truths at our own pace.
Bible Verse
"When the doors were locked, where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" - John 20:19
Reflection Question
What truth about God are you currently struggling to fully embrace or understand?
Quote
The resurrection, friends, is not always instantly received. The wounds of Friday are still very fresh on these disciples minds.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with me as I grow in faith. Help me trust your timing and remain open to your work in my life. Amen.
Day 3: Embracing Our Doubts
Devotional
Doubt often feels like a spiritual failure, something we need to hide or overcome before we can approach God. But Jesus shows us a different way. When Thomas doubted, Jesus didn't condemn him or turn away. Instead, He invited Thomas to come closer, to examine, to question. This teaches us that doubt isn't the opposite of faith - it's often part of the journey toward deeper faith.
Bible Verse
"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'" - John 20:27
Reflection Question
How might your doubts actually be invitations to draw closer to Jesus rather than barriers keeping you away?
Quote
Jesus doesn't fear our doubts. He meets them. He speaks peace to them. And he invites us to believe. Not because we've seen things clear clearly, but because he is with us.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for not being afraid of my doubts. Help me bring them to you honestly and trust that you will meet me there. Amen.
Day 4: Wounds That Witness
Devotional
In His resurrected body, Jesus still bore the marks of His crucifixion. These weren't blemishes to be hidden, but powerful testimonies of His love and sacrifice. Similarly, our own wounds and struggles can become powerful witnesses to God's faithfulness. When we share our stories of how God has met us in our pain, we offer hope to others who are still in the midst of their struggles.
Bible Verse
"After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." - John 20:20
Reflection Question
How might God use your past wounds or current struggles to encourage others in their faith journey?
Quote
He doesn't erase his wounds. He reveals them. He doesn't pretend that the pain he went through didn't happen. He bears witness to it, even in his resurrected body.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for not hiding your scars. Help me trust that you can use even my painful experiences for your glory and others' good. Amen.
Day 5: From Fear to Purpose
Devotional
The disciples' transformation didn't end with receiving peace - it culminated in receiving purpose. Jesus met them in their fear, but He didn't leave them there. He commissioned them to carry His message to others. This same pattern continues today: Jesus meets us in our uncertainty, brings His peace, and then sends us out with purpose to share His love with others.
Bible Verse
"Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'" - John 20:21
Reflection Question
How is God calling you to move beyond receiving His peace to sharing it with others?
Quote
Resurrection isn't just comfort. It's commissioning. Jesus doesn't meet them or doesn't just meet them in fear, right? He sends them out with a purpose.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for both your peace and your purpose for my life. Give me courage to share your love with others today. Amen.