The Peace, Proof, and Purpose of Jesus’ Resurrection

HOLY WEEK DEVOTIONAL - THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025

MICHAEL JENKIN - COMMUNITY LIFE AND CARE MINISTER

 The Peace, Proof, and Purpose of Jesus’ Resurrection 

Scripture Reference: John 20:19-21 "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, 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 were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

Welcome to this moment of reflection. No matter where you are reading this, whether in the comfort of your home, on your lunch break, or in a quiet space, know that Jesus' resurrection speaks to you directly today. He comes into your circumstances—just as He came into the locked room of His disciples, offering peace, proving His power, and sending you with purpose. 

1. Jesus Brings Peace to Fearful Hearts 

When we find ourselves overwhelmed by fear, whether it is fear of the future, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown, Jesus speaks peace to our hearts. Just as He entered a locked room of fearful disciples, He enters the locked places of our lives today. 

John 20:19 "Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'" 

The disciples were terrified. They had just seen their Savior crucified, and now the authorities could come for them too. But instead of judgment, Jesus brings peace. His resurrection is not just about a past event, it is about how He continually enters into our present fears and offers the peace that only He can give. 

In this moment, take a deep breath. No matter what you are facing, Jesus offers peace. His resurrection assures you that He is in control. The same Jesus who conquered death is the same Jesus who stands with you right now. 

Pause for a moment. Let His peace settle into your heart. 

2. Jesus Provides Proof of His Resurrection 

Jesus did not leave His disciples guessing. He showed them His hands and side—physical proof that He was alive. He did not just appear as a spirit or an illusion. Jesus was alive in a real, tangible way, and He wanted His followers to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He had conquered death. 

John 20:20 " When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 

What does this mean for you? It means that the resurrection is real. It is not just a story we tell or a symbol we hold onto for comfort. The resurrection is proof that Jesus is who He said He was, the 

Son of God who has power over life and death. When we face uncertainty or doubt, we can remember that the resurrection is the ultimate proof of God’s faithfulness and power. 

Take a moment and reflect on that truth: Jesus is alive…and because He is, you are never without hope. Whatever you are facing today, Jesus has already proven His power to overcome. 

3. Jesus Sends Us with Purpose 

Jesus did not just reassure His disciples and then leave them in a place of comfort. After offering them peace and showing them proof of His resurrection, He gave them a mission, a purpose. Jesus was sending them into the world, just as the Father had sent Him. 

John 20:21 "Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." 

This is a moment of profound realization: You are sent. Jesus did not just save us for our own comfort. He saved us to go. We are called to share His message, His love, His hope with the world around us. 

But do not miss this: Jesus sends us with the same peace He gave the disciples. The peace He offers is not just for our hearts, it is the fuel for our mission. His resurrection empowers us to go into the world with boldness, knowing that we are not alone. The very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you. 

Where are you being sent today? Is there a family member, friend, or co-worker who needs to know about the hope you have? Jesus is calling you to be His witness in a world that desperately needs His peace and His power. You are sent, and His resurrection power is with you. As you step out today, remember: His peace goes with you, His proof strengthens you, and His purpose fuels you. Go, and share His love with a world that needs it now more than ever.