Read John 19
Highlights:
The cross. Cruelty of soldiers emphasized (John 19:1-3). Jesus' death (19:28-37); His burial and the witnesses of His resurrection (19:38-42; 20:1-29; 21:14). Why John wrote this Book (20:30-31). A threefold emphasis not just to Peter, but to all of us: Feed My sheep (21:15-17).
Peace dawned fully on Joseph of Arimathea's new garden tomb on the first day of the week (John 20:19). When the Savior arose from the grave, a new and victorious day dawned for the human race. At evening . . . when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. . . . Peace be unto you: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you (20:19-21). Acceptance with God was obtained when the cry: It is finished (19:30) triumphantly rang out from the cross on Calvary. From this follows the foundation of faith for all those united to Christ in His death. The resurrection has brought to man reconciliation and peace with God (I Cor. 15:14,17,57) and imparts to the Christian Jesus' assurance: Lo, I am with you alway (Matt. 28:20).
Like the disciples, many Christians become defeated because of some sin or by being a doubter like Thomas. Or they fear that Jesus may condemn instead of comfort, or that they may not be "good enough." Some fear what a hostile world will say or do. Thus, many hide their testimony under a bushel (5:15).
Christ knows our sorrows, our sufferings, and our fears. But, just as the Lord told the Apostle Paul: My grace is sufficient for thee (II Cor. 12:9), we can be certain that His grace is sufficient for us, regardless of the circumstances. Without question, the Lord has a perfect plan; and beyond our sorrows or failures, He has provided direction, purpose, and a glorious future for all who will let Him be Lord of their lives.
What if the disciples had looked at their failures and then gone back to their fishing? It undoubtedly was a financially secure occupation. Peter had strongly denied the Lord, and everyone had forsaken Him in His sufferings. But the disciples didn't give up, and Jesus did not give up on them. He desired to be with them as He came . . . and stood in the midst, and saith unto them (twice), Peace be unto you (John 20:19-21).
Are you still seeking satisfaction from success, or from worldly riches that soon fade away? The disciples discovered lasting joy when they saw the Lord. Oh, look to Him — the crucified, risen Savior! Look to Him for joy that the world cannot give nor take away. You can be sure that Christ will say again: Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (John 8:11).
Thought for Today:
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:20-21).
Cross References:
For John 19:24: See Ps. 22:18. John 19:36: See Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20. John 19:37: See Zech. 12:10.
Word Studies:
19:1 scourged, whipped with leather cords weighted with sharp pieces of bone or lead; 19:30 It is finished, His physical ministry was complete.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Mayor Vincent Gray (DC) • Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:12
