Thoughts on the Gospel of John (208) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, 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.
John 20:19–20

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (208)
Just as the Sabbath, the last day of the week, is characteristic of Judaism, Sunday, the first day of the week, is significant for Christians. Sunday is the day of Jesus’ resurrection, and with it something completely new came into being, as we have already seen.

In the last book of the Bible, Sunday is referred to as “the Lord’s day” or “the day belonging to the Lord”. On this day the first Christians gathered in remembrance of their Lord (Revelation 1:10; cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Now here the disciples are still in fear. They keep the doors locked so that Jesus’ enemies cannot get to them. But then the unexpected happens: Jesus is suddenly in the midst of the disciples and the centre of their attention! No one needs to open the door for Him, neither man nor angel. The resurrection body is not bound by space and time, although it can be touched. This is unimaginable today, but it will one day become true for all believers as they too will receive such a body.

The greeting “Peace be with you” calms the anxious disciples. Jesus Himself is standing before them! His wounds prove it. Moreover, we see that Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee peace with God to all believers. Everyone who enjoys this peace also knows something of the disciples’ joy: although we do not see our Lord because He is in heaven, an indescribable joy fills us (1 Peter 1:8).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Isaiah 37:21-38 · Hebrews 4:1-9