John 20:19–23 When Jesus appeared to His fearful disciples, He lovingly gave them visible, tangible proof of His resurrection. He showed them His hands and His side—real wounds in a real, risen body. He wanted them to know beyond question: the crucified Lord is now the living Lord. Even in glory, Jesus is the Lamb … Continue reading The Risen Christ in Our Midst
Author: 2cherish2commend
“When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
John 20:19–23 When the risen Jesus first appeared to His disciples, His opening words were: “Peace be with you.” This was no empty greeting. After their failure, fear, and confusion, Jesus did not meet them with blame or rebuke. His first word from beyond the tomb was peace—peace grounded in His finished work, His shed … Continue reading “When the Risen Christ Speaks Peace”
The Loud Cry That Silenced Death
Matthew 27:45–49; Luke 23:46 “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” … “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” At the ninth hour, darkness covered the land and Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” These words were not the groan of a mere martyr crushed by physical pain. No. In that … Continue reading The Loud Cry That Silenced Death
The Grace That Saves to the Uttermost
LUKE 23:39–43 Few scenes in Scripture show Christ’s saving power more vividly than the conversion of the dying thief. At the very moment of Jesus’ greatest weakness, He was hanging in agony on the cross. He still had divine power to hear a sinner’s cry. He grants saving mercy. The thief had nothing to offer. … Continue reading The Grace That Saves to the Uttermost
The Marks of Real Repentance
LUKE 23:39–43 — The Cross and the Two Thieves Two criminals hung beside Jesus—equally near to Christ, equally guilty, equally dying. Yet their responses could not be more different. One hardened his heart to the end. The other turned in repentance and faith. He was saved by the Savior hanging beside him. This contrast humbles … Continue reading The Marks of Real Repentance
Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
“As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene… and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” — Luke 23:26 Jesus was exhausted—beaten, tried, mocked, and now forced to carry the heavy crossbeam toward Golgotha. At some point, His strength gave way. The soldiers grabbed a passerby, Simon of … Continue reading Three Ways People Relate to the Cross
The Rewards of Devoted Love
John 20:11–18 Mary Magdalene’s devotion at the tomb shows that those who cling to Christ with steadfast love receive the sweetest privileges from His hand. While Peter and John went home, Mary stayed. She didn’t know where Jesus was or what had happened to Him, but love kept her near the last place she had … Continue reading The Rewards of Devoted Love
Praying for Those Whom You Love
What do you pray for those whom you love? Here is a great place to start. I have adapted this from Tony Souder’s excellent resource called “Pray for Me: Prayer Guide.” “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love … Continue reading Praying for Those Whom You Love
Indebted to His Mercy
JOHN 20:1–10 Those who love Christ most are those who know how much they’ve been forgiven and how greatly Jesus has lavished His grace upon them. Mary Magdalene is the first person John names at the empty tomb. Scripture tells us she had been delivered from “seven demons” (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2)—a woman rescued from … Continue reading Indebted to His Mercy
Why is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is essential because it proves everything the gospel claims. It confirms Jesus as the true Messiah, the very sign he promised to give. It shows that his atoning work was fully accepted, that the ransom for sin was paid, and that we are justified. His resurrection gives believers new … Continue reading Why is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?
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