A Lenten Devotion for Thursday, April 17
- ontrakk
- Apr 17, 2025
- 1 min read
John 20:19
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!”
It is interesting to read Lucado’s thoughts today. He focuses on the fact that this was actually how our Christian Church began: behind locked doors. I think our own church doors may as well stay locked if we never venture out. The gospel message is spread outside of the walls of the church, for the most part. We Christians are fed and nurtured inside the walls, but it is only when we venture out that others can experience Christ through us.
Holy Lord, give me the opportunity, I pray, to be an instrument of your peace outside of our church walls. This is my prayer, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Becky, transforming
What came to my mind when I read this passage and the words of Lucado is the two most recent congregations I have been part of. One, smaller , close knit group, basically the same people week to week, most folks familiar with one other, well attended Bible study and mid week programs but rarely programs to pull folks in from the surrounding community. The other, a much larger congregation with robust outreach programs and a very diverse group of people who attend. One with a somewhat dwindling congregation or at best status quo. The other flourishing and growing. Their doors are not only unlocked but fully open and welcoming.
Dear God, help me to be one to open the…
John 20:19.
Max Lucado's writing today was very thought provoking. I know the doors of my small church are certainly not locked, but why would a stranger want to enter there? I wonder how many in our community know who we are and more importantly what we do. Like most churches, we often do good in a quiet often silent manner. No headlines, no patting ourselves on the back. And then I think--should we? Is that the way Jesus would have us do his work here in Goffstown and beyond.
Prayer: Gracious God, How do we know the right way to show people who we are? You know what we do in your name. I hope that is enough. AMEN
Thursday, April 117th, 2025 (38th day of lent )
John 20:19
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.
The good news is that Jesus has risen from the dead and is now alive, appearing to his disciples in a locked room. He offers them peace and empowers them to share his message of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. Jesus’s physical appearance offers comfort and assurance to the disciples, dispelling their fear and doubt. Imagine the joy the disciples are filled with upon seeing the Lord and are no longer…
John 20:19
There was both a reason and a Scriptural function for the locked doors. The reason was fear, but the function is to demonstrate the miraculous nature of Jesus’ visitation. Just as He passed through the grave clothes, Jesus materialized through locked doors. The terrified disciples needed peace and that is exactly what Jesus brings. Lucado writes about our church doors being locked, but this can apply to individuals as well. Too often, I keep my faith locked away when it could possibly make a situation better or even make a difference in someone’s life at that given moment. I need to be alert to hear Jesus’ voice saying, “Peace to you, Thomas.”
Prayer - Jesus of miracles, still…