Morning Devotional 040326 Undeniable Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 3, 2026

John 20:19-30

19 It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” 24 Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” 26 After eight days, his disciples were again in a house, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!” 28 Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.” 30 Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll.

Good Morning! O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done?

When I consider how the disciples were holding up following the death of Jesus, I am compassionate because I doubt that we would have been any better than they were. They were sitting in a locked room when Jesus appeared to them. After all, they had seen their leader captured, tried on ridiculous charges, and crucified. 

For the past three years, they had been with Jesus and had been seen by many as his followers. They must have thought that it was only a matter of time before the authorities came knocking at their door. 

We must not forget the amazing joy that they had experienced just five days prior as Jesus made his triumphal entry to Jerusalem. I pray that I could have been as strong as they. 

If this happened today, I fear that most of us would have doubted that Jesus was standing before us because we live in a world where others can (and do) create scams and believable fakes. Nothing like this had ever been done before! How do you believe something that is impossible? 

In this moment, God, through the resurrection of Christ, revealed to the world power over death. The world was never the same. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! You are a mighty God who cares deeply for us, your children. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Believe! Christ is risen!

I know whom I have believed and am persuaded!  Pastor Liz