John 20 proclaims the life-changing reality of the resurrection as Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, His disciples, and Thomas, replacing grief, fear, and doubt with peace, faith, and hope. The risen Christ not only comforts His followers but also commissions them to share His message of forgiveness and new life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God,” reminds us that faith rests in the risen Savior. Because Jesus lives, we are called to trust Him, live courageously, and share the hope of the resurrection with the world.

 

Put It into Practice: Bring your doubts to Jesus, not away from Him. Don’t hide questions or struggles in your faith. Bring them honestly to Christ through prayer, Scripture, and the fellowship of other believers. Allow your questions to lead you to a deeper confession: “My Lord and my God!”

 

Day 1 John 20:1-10  

Reflect: Consider Mary’s, John’s, and Peter’s reactions to the empty tomb. What can you learn from their different personalities and approaches to discovering the truth about Jesus?

Apply: Do you take questions and concerns to other believers (Mary) instead of facing them alone? Do you tend to pause (John) or react immediately (Peter)? Do you trust before you have answers?  

Pray: Lord, help me to see beyond the folded grave clothes and believe in the promise of new life. Anchor my heart in the reality of the Resurrection and transform my confusion into hope, and my fear into faith.

 

Day 2 John 20:11-18

Reflect: Why do you think Mary stayed at the tomb even after Peter and John had left? How are the questions asked to Mary relevant to believers experiencing grief or confusion today?

Apply: How does v. 16 demonstrate the personal nature of our relationship with Christ? Why do we, like Mary, fail to recognize Jesus when He is present in unexpected ways? Can you proclaim v. 18?

Pray: God, fill me with the joy and boldness needed to share Your light, truth, and resurrection power with everyone around me. May my words, actions and life serve as a testimony that You are alive and working in the world today.

 

Day 3 John 20:19-23 

Reflect: Meditate on Jesus’ words in v. 19. Jesus retained His wounds. What does that tell us about how God views our past suffering and trauma? What does it mean to be sent just as Jesus was sent?

Apply: If you were to describe your current mission field—the places, people, and communities you are sent to, what does it look like? How has the Holy Spirit empowered you to do kingdom work?

Pray: Jesus, may Your deep, abiding peace calm my heart and steady my spirit. Breathe Your Holy Spirit fresh upon me today, renewing my strength, guiding my steps, and cleansing me from sin.

 

Day 4 John 20:24-29 

Reflect: How would you describe Thomas before he meets the risen Jesus? After? How does Jesus treat Thomas, and what do you learn from that? What evidence has Jesus provided to change you?

Apply: What doubts do you wrestle with the most? What would help you to let them go? Why is faith really a gift of God to us? Define “seeing is believing” and “believing is seeing” regarding faith.

Pray: Heavenly Father, bless me with quiet, enduring faith – a faith that believes and trusts in You even when my eyes cannot see.

 

Day 5 Philippians 4:6-9

Reflect: Do you view the command in v. 6 as an impossible ideal, or a realistic command? Why? What do you see the relationship between faith and peace to be? Why is guarding thoughts so key?

Apply: How have you seen God’s peace guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus? Who is someone in your life that exemplifies these verses? Remember: Faith over fear. Peace over panic.

Pray: Lord God, help me not to be anxious about anything today. I place my needs and concerns into Your capable hands, trusting in Your goodness and thanking You in advance for Your faithful care.