That Sunday evening [of the resurrection day] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! "Peace be with you," he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!
—John 20:19-20 NLT
Key Thought
What a roller-coaster weekend it had been for Jesus' disciples. He was arrested, tried, and executed. They had eaten Passover with him and then abandoned him in his hour of need. They had been marked as wanted men; as associates of one who was viewed as a criminal rebel and crucified, they were huddled in a locked room in fear for their lives. They had heard rumors that Jesus was alive, but couldn't quite grasp it with solid faith because it was outside their normal experience or even hope. Then suddenly, he was among them. They heard his voice and were both comforted and thrilled with his familiar greeting, "Shalom!" They saw his crucifixion wounds, and yet there he was among them. Suddenly, joy rushed in and forced out every other emotion. The Lord is alive! I see him with my eyes! He lives! And so do we!
Today's Prayer
O God, my Father, thank you for the assurance of life I have as your child. Thank you for my Savior and Lord, who also claims me as his younger brother. I look forward so much to the day when I will see him and you, dear Father, face-to-face. Until that day, please know that I will build my life on the power of my risen Lord, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2018 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 20:19-20 NLT
Key Thought
What a roller-coaster weekend it had been for Jesus' disciples. He was arrested, tried, and executed. They had eaten Passover with him and then abandoned him in his hour of need. They had been marked as wanted men; as associates of one who was viewed as a criminal rebel and crucified, they were huddled in a locked room in fear for their lives. They had heard rumors that Jesus was alive, but couldn't quite grasp it with solid faith because it was outside their normal experience or even hope. Then suddenly, he was among them. They heard his voice and were both comforted and thrilled with his familiar greeting, "Shalom!" They saw his crucifixion wounds, and yet there he was among them. Suddenly, joy rushed in and forced out every other emotion. The Lord is alive! I see him with my eyes! He lives! And so do we!
Today's Prayer
O God, my Father, thank you for the assurance of life I have as your child. Thank you for my Savior and Lord, who also claims me as his younger brother. I look forward so much to the day when I will see him and you, dear Father, face-to-face. Until that day, please know that I will build my life on the power of my risen Lord, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2018 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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**Prayer Request Updates!** 
**Urgent Prayers Needed:**
**Let’s also pray for:**
Ali's condition needs prayers. @PraisyJames asks we lift Ali's healing and faith in Jesus.
@GraceL needs guidance finding a new home in Charlotte.
Let's pray for a peaceful Christmas for 
Please keep Ochurn in your prayers and let’s also support Grace L in her housing search. Reflecting on the Christmas season and let’s uplift Ochurn and everyone in prayer for healing and restoration as @PraisyJames called for us to come together in prayer for Ali’s healing.
Let's lift up these requests, everyone! 
