Podcasts about John 20

John leaves us with a decision at the conclusion of His gospel. Believe in Jesus, follow Him, and live eternally, or don't. The choice is yours.

Jesus's resurrection brings life to those who follow Him. There is blessing for those who believe without seeing.

In this Sunday teaching, Co-Lead Minister Jenell Coker continues our series on Oceanside Sanctuary's Core Values, focusing this week on "Sacred Stories." Drawing from the Gospel of John (20:24-29), Jenell re-examines the narrative of "Doubting Thomas." Rather than seeing Thomas's hesitation as a failure of faith, she presents it as a vital invitation to investigate the Divine for ourselves. Exploring the gritty realism of Caravaggio's painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Jenell illustrates how personal encounters with the risen Christ—and the sharing of those experiences—are what truly transform us. We are challenged to move beyond simply consuming the stories of others and instead learn to articulate our own. From the "sacred ordinary" of daily tasks to the pursuit of justice, how do we recognize and record God's presence in our lives? Join us as we explore the power of journaling, testimony, and the healing found in owning our sacred stories. Learn more about us at oceansidesanctuary.org Chapters (00:00:00) - sacred stories(00:04:51) - The Crucified Thomas(00:14:00) - How Well Do You Know Your Story?(00:17:42) - A Bookmark for the Church(00:19:23) - How Do You Experience God?(00:22:11) - St. Thomas' Story

Pastor Derek explores the 2 Ascensions of Christ. First He ascended on the morning of His resurrection after appearing to Mary Magdalene (John 20:17), and again 40 days later, as described in Acts 1, after which He sat down at God's right hand. The 4 Purposes for His 1st Ascension: *1. To fulfil the Feast of First Fruits on the day of His resurrection (1Corinthians 15:20-23). *2. To present His BLOOD in the heavenly holy of holies, to establish the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:12). *3. To receive ALL AUTHORITY (Matthew 28:18, Daniel 7:13-14, Philippians 2:9-11): *4. To receive the SPIRIT on our behalf, to give to His people (Acts 2:33). That is why He could impart the Spirit to His apostles later on the same day He rose again (John 20:22).

Pastor Derek explores the 2 Ascensions of Christ. First He ascended on the morning of His resurrection after appearing to Mary Magdalene (John 20:17), and again 40 days later, as described in Acts 1, after which He sat down at God's right hand. The 4 Purposes for His 1st Ascension: *1. To fulfil the Feast of First Fruits on the day of His resurrection (1Corinthians 15:20-23). *2. To present His BLOOD in the heavenly holy of holies, to establish the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:12). *3. To receive ALL AUTHORITY (Matthew 28:18, Daniel 7:13-14, Philippians 2:9-11): *4. To receive the SPIRIT on our behalf, to give to His people (Acts 2:33). That is why He could impart the Spirit to His apostles later on the same day He rose again (John 20:22).

“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.””‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Pastor Rodney taught that following Jesus means being continually filled with the Holy Spirit—God not just with us, but living in us—bringing new (resurrection) life, forgiveness, and restored relationship. Because of Jesus, the Spirit's presence is no longer temporary but permanent, empowering every believer daily to live holy lives and carry out God's mission to learn about Him, lead others to Him, and love like Him. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

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Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 20:21–22 — Jesus, Fill Me With Hope and Holy Spirit Peace Tonight Los Angeles • Nairobi • Toronto • Sydney • Dubai hope for tomorrow, fear of the future, emotional exhaustion, Jesus help me, daily devotional prayer John 20:21–22 (NIV): “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! … Receive the Holy Spirit.'” Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…” Jesus, tonight the world feels heavy. People everywhere are searching for reassurance, calm, hope, and clarity as they lie awake wondering what tomorrow holds. Some feel overwhelmed by global instability. Others are weighed down by decisions they must make. Many feel exhausted inside, carrying emotions that never seem to settle. And across the nations most engaged with daily prayer and daily devotional listening, hearts are crying out, “Jesus, give me peace for tonight and strength for tomorrow.” Jesus, Your words still break through the noise: Peace be with you. You breathe calm into anxious rooms. You speak hope into frightened hearts. Holy Spirit, come now and settle every listener. Lift the ache behind their chest. Ease the strain in their thoughts. Bring holy calm into the places where fear has been whispering. Release a quiet strength where discouragement has taken root. Let fresh hope rise like light breaking through clouded skies. Where someone feels unsure, guide them. Where someone feels empty, fill them again. Where someone feels on the edge, hold them steady. Cover every home, every heart, every place where someone is silently praying this daily devotional prayer. Yahweh, God of all hope, breathe confidence where worry has built walls. Surround the night with Your presence. Let the Lion of Judah roar courage over every weary soul. Let Your peace become the atmosphere of this moment. Turn fear into trust, heaviness into rest, and uncertainty into assurance. Jesus, fill me with hope and Holy Spirit peace tonight. Cover my thoughts. Strengthen my heart. Guard my sleep. Let Your presence hold me until morning. Let no fear outrun Your promise. Let no anxiety speak louder than Your truth. Let Your peace settle deeply and remain. Jesus fills my night with peace, my heart with hope, and my future with strength. hope prayer tonight, Holy Spirit peace, Jesus help me, fear of the future prayer, evening devotional, daily prayer for peace, Christian night prayerSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 20:21–22 — Jesus, Fill Me With Hope and Holy Spirit Peace Tonight (Romans 15:13) United States • India • Brazil • United Kingdom • South Kore hope for tomorrow, emotional healing, Holy Spirit comfort, calm my mind, daily devotional prayer, peace for night John 20:21–22 (NIV): “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! … Receive the Holy Spirit.'” Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…” Jesus, tonight many across the world end this day feeling stretched, weary, or overwhelmed by what tomorrow may bring. Some hold quiet fears they never speak aloud. Others feel the weight of uncertainty, carrying questions without answers. Yet into rooms like these, You still breathe the same words: Peace be with you. You enter worry-filled moments and turn trembling hearts toward hope. Where fear whispers, Your voice rises stronger. Where exhaustion settles, Your presence restores. You are the One who steadies the soul when everything feels unsteady. Holy Spirit, breathe peace that reaches the deepest places. Calm the thoughts that rise after dark. Lift the heaviness sitting in the chest. Pour fresh strength into tired minds. Let hope return like gentle light at the end of a long day. Replace inner pressure with inner quiet. Where people feel alone, surround them. Where they feel fearful, reassure them. Where they feel empty, fill them again. Let Your comfort move through every home, every bedside, every workplace where someone whispers a prayer for help tonight. Yahweh, God of all hope, steady every heart that feels fragile. Let Your presence fold around listeners who feel close to breaking. Turn restlessness into peace, anxiety into clarity, and worry into trust. Let tired hands unclench. Let tired minds release their burden. Let tired hearts breathe again beneath Your wings. As the Lion of Judah watches over this night, let courage rise gently inside every person who calls on Your name. Jesus, fill this hour with Your hope. Let Your peace carry every listener into rest. Let no fear be greater than Your promise and no uncertainty overshadow Your presence. Tonight I receive the hope of Jesus, the peace of the Holy Spirit, and the strength of Yahweh. My heart rests under His covering. night hope prayer, Holy Spirit comfort, Jesus bring me peace, emotional healing prayer, daily devotional prayer, rest in GodSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 20:21–22 — Jesus, Fill Me With Hope and Holy Spirit Peace Tonight London • Belfast • Edinburgh • Cardiff • Manchester hope for tomorrow, fear of uncertainty, emotional exhaustion, inner peace, Holy Spirit comfort John 20:21–22 (NIV): “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! … Receive the Holy Spirit.'” Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…” Jesus, tonight the world is aching for hope. People across nations feel worn down by uncertainty, overwhelmed by fast-moving events, stretched thin by emotional weight, and longing for reassurance. Many lie awake asking silent questions: What will tomorrow bring? Will things ever feel stable again? How do I carry what's in my heart? Jesus, You meet people exactly where they are. You step into anxious rooms and speak, Peace be with you. Your voice settles storms no one else can see. Holy Spirit, breathe peace into the places where fear tightens. Lift the heaviness sitting behind the ribs. Calm the racing thoughts that keep rising after midnight. Bring clarity where confusion lingers. Strengthen hearts that feel fragile. Where people feel empty, fill them again. Where they feel stretched, hold them steady. Where they fear tomorrow, pour hope into them until it overflows. Let the Lion of Judah roar courage over every weary soul tonight. Yahweh, Father of all comfort, steady every person who feels like they are holding on by a thread. Surround bedsides, hospital rooms, lonely apartments, family homes, night shifts, and quiet places where tears fall unseen. Let Your presence turn fear into confidence, restlessness into calm, and uncertainty into trust. Let the truth of Scripture become an anchor: The God of hope fills me. Jesus gives me His peace. The Holy Spirit strengthens me. Jesus, cover this night. Let no fear outrun Your promise. Let no despair silence hope. Let no anxiety overshadow the peace You give freely. Let every heart rest beneath Your wings as the Lion of Judah guards their night. Jesus is my peace, my hope, my strength, and my covering. Tonight I receive His Holy Spirit, His comfort, and His unshakable calm. hope prayer tonight, Holy Spirit peace, Jesus comfort prayer, fear of tomorrow, evening devotional, Christian night prayer, global prayer movement, trust God in uncertaintySupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 20:21–22 — Jesus, Fill Me With Hope and Holy Spirit Peace Tonight From London to Toronto, Cape Town, Auckland, Singapore, and Jerusalem, this 11 p.m. global standalone devotional speaks to everyone lying awake with anxiety, dread of tomorrow, uncertainty about the future, emotional heaviness, or spiritual exhaustion—calling on Jesus Christ to breathe His hope and the peace of the Holy Spirit into the night. John 20:21–22 (NIV): “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! … And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'” Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…” Jesus, as night settles over the world, I come to You with every fear, every ache, every thought that refuses to quieten, and every pressure that intensifies when the lights go out. These match the global cries rising across every nation tonight: prayer for peace at night, Jesus give me hope, Holy Spirit comfort me, night anxiety prayer, fear of tomorrow, prayer when I feel overwhelmed, prayer for emotional calm, I can't switch off my mind, prayer for God's presence, prayer for strength to face the future. Jesus, breathe hope into the places inside me that feel empty. Breathe peace into the corners of my heart that feel tight with worry. Breathe strength into the areas where I feel worn down. Let the Holy Spirit rest on me like a warm blanket—steadying my mind, calming my emotions, and lifting the weight I cannot carry. Holy Spirit, fill my room, my thoughts, and my breathing. Replace panic with peace, heaviness with gentleness, fear with confidence, dread with assurance, and uncertainty with holy courage. Let Your presence be the atmosphere around me, guarding my night and guiding my rest. I declare tonight that Jesus Christ is my hope, my peace, my breath, my refuge, and my future. I will not fear tomorrow, because the Holy Spirit lives within me and the God of hope carries me into the new day. Jesus night prayer, Holy Spirit peace, John 20:21–22 devotional, Romans 15:13 hope prayer, prayer for fear of tomorrow, global night prayer, anxiety relief Christian prayer, daily prayer devotionalSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Sermon from Pastor Jim Stultz on January 18, 2026

A look at the characters who first encountered the Risen Jesus and His response to their despair, distractions, and doubts. Speaker: Samantha Freds

Who did Jesus appear to after the resurrection? Come Bible Study WITH ME through John 20 and ask all the questions!

Date: 1.11.26 Series: "Believe: The Gospel of John" Text: John 20:19-31 Message: "Great Commission Preview" Speaker: Dr. Owen Nease, Lead Pastor

The church has a mission: to make disciples. But how we go about accomplishing that mission is as important as that we accomplish it. The church is to be sent in the same way Jesus is sent: as flesh-and-blood, real people with integrity, intentionality, and invitation.

Series: Signs & GloryTitle: What happens when Jesus shows up?Scripture:

Date: 1.4.26 Series: Gospel of John: Believe Text: John 20:11-18 Message: "A New Year Pattern" Speaker: Dr. Owen Nease, Lead Pastor

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/2Chronicles35;Revelation21;Malachi3;John20 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

On the first day of the week,Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peterand to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we do not know where they put him."So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peterand arrived at the tomb first;he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.When Simon Peter arrived after him,he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,and the cloth that had covered his head,not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in,the one who had arrived at the tomb first,and he saw and believed.

John 20:17 is a straightforward passage in which the resurrected Jesus explicitly identifies that he has a God. Jesus was a unitarian, so he believed and taught his followers that his God was only one person, the Father alone. This episode examines John 20:17, demonstrating that it is incompatible with the doctrine of the Trinity.   To view the video version of this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/--vgNB2CRpw      Visit Amazon to buy your copy of A Systematic Theology of the Early Church: https://amzn.to/47jldOc   Visit Amazon to buy your copy of Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://amzn.to/3JBflHb    Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The Son of God: Three Views of the Identity of Jesus: https://amzn.to/43DPYey   To support this podcast, donate here: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks   Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tGZhlEVj2Wam0PgtWBgnxjXCua1u3B75uwLjHpq5sBk/edit?usp=sharing         Subscribe to me on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast       Follow me on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast 

Sunday Morning

23 Isaiah 21-23; 20 Proverbs 19-20; 43 John 20

Ronald Kogo Pastor of Crosspoint Bible Church

BELIEVING IS SEEING (John 20:19-31) I. The Lord of Our Faith; vs.19-20 II. A Faith to be Shared; vs.21-23 III. The Eyes of Faith; vs.24-29 IIII. The Fruit of Faith; vs.30-31 The story of Doubting Thomas brings to mind the importance of faith and the blessedness of sharing our faith with others.

Welcome to the Word of Life AG podcast! Today, Pastor Tom Wood is continuing our series in John's Gospel. But first… If you're looking for next steps, please head to our website at https://www.wordoflifeag.org/

Book of John, Chapter 20, New International Version

Daily Morning Prayer and the Litany (11/28/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 132-135; Isaiah 10; John 20; Metrical Psalm 25:7-107 Let all my youthful crimes be blotted out by thee; And, for thy wondrous goodness sake, in mercy think on me. 8 His mercy and his truth the righteous Lord displays, In bringing wand'ring sinners home, and teaching them his ways. 9 He those in justice guides who his direction seek; And in his sacred paths shall lead the humble and the meek. 10 Through all the ways of God both truth and mercy shine, To such as with religious hearts to his blest will incline.To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

From our series, Light: Selected teachings in the book of John.

Welcome to the Word of Life AG podcast! Today, Pastor Tom Wood is back in John's Gospel. But first… If you're looking for next steps, please head to our website at https://www.wordoflifeag.org/

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew28:9–20;Luke24:13–53;John20:19–21:25[additionalreading:Mark16:9–20] ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/John20-21;Acts1-2 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

FROM TODAY'S RECAP: - Video: Acts Overview (Part 1) - TBR Bookshelf Graphics - Finishers Page Note: We provide links to specific resources; this is not an endorsement of the entire website, author, organization, etc. Their views may not represent our own. SHOW NOTES: - Follow The Bible Recap: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube - Follow Tara-Leigh Cobble: Instagram - Read/listen on the Bible App or Dwell App - Learn more at our Start Page - Become a RECAPtain - Shop the TBR Store - Credits PARTNER MINISTRIES: D-Group International Israelux The God Shot TLC Writing & Speaking DISCLAIMER: The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.

Reading by Kara Cripps ---   Luke 24; John 20-21   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2024%3B%20John%2020-21&version=ESV&interface=print

Send us a text****Read the New Testament in a Year with me in 2025 right here on the podcast!***Bible Verses of the Week: Matthew 7:15-16Welcome to the podcast Move Forth With Grace!  We will be reading the New Testament in a year.  This is such a perfect way to get into God's Word each day and to develop your own relationship with God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ. I am your host Angela and want to first of all say that I am not an expert in Theology or Church History or a Minister and I never will claim to be.  I am a  wife and mother who has been reborn and want to be of service to God in gratitude for calling me back home. Welcome to the Podcast! The Bible that I will be reading from is the English Standard Version Study Bible.  You can find one at www.crossway.org.Thank you for being here....thank you for becoming less like you and more like Jesus.May you Move Forth with Grace today!Love, Angela One of the most important things that we can be doing is teaching our children about the Bible and helping them to develop a Biblical Worldview.  The way that we are doing this in our family is by using My Father's World Curriculum in our homeschool.  For more information on that, please go to https://www.mfwbooks.comTo learn more about my story and the products that I love to use daily, please go to my website:www.move-forth.comThe Holy Roast Coffee  Pro Life Blend: https://theholyroastco.com/products/pro-life-blendPlease donate today to save unborn souls!https://preborn.comI am reading the ESV Study Bible in 2025: Get your copy today if you would like to read along...this is not required of coursehttps://www.crossway.org/bibles/Connect with me on social media or send a prayer request to me on my website here:https://campsite.bio/moveforthBible Teachers that I recommend:Mike Winger on https://biblethinker.org/meet-mike/Dr. Chuck Missler on www.khouse.orgNancy Missler on www.kingshighway.orgDale Partridge on www.relearn.orgChuck Smith on http://www.pastorchuck.org/RC Sproul Eschatology Playlist:https://youtu.be/n22MRa0P6_I?si=Aw53nQLSteu6T3-ASupport the show

Daily Dose of Hope November 13, 2025   Scripture – John 20   Prayer: Almighty God and Risen Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, We come before you today with praise and a sense of awe. Even though you are incredibly mighty and take care of us in such fundamental ways, we struggle to stay focused on our faith.  Help us gather our scattered and distracted thoughts.  Help us take a moment of silence and remember who you are...Holy Spirit, speak to us today.  We want to hear your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  As most of you know, we have been walking through the Gospels and will soon walk through Acts.  Today, we walk through John 20.  Let me start by saying this.  The resurrection of Jesus is the most critical event in our faith; we could argue it was the most critical event of all time.  Jesus wasn't simply resuscitated.  He wasn't just alive in a spiritual way. It wasn't his ghost that showed up in that room with the disciples.  Jesus was dead with no pulse, no heartbeat, wrapped in grave clothes and laid in a tomb, AND then he became alive again in a totally real, physical sense.  Death to life.  That is huge and that is what today's passage discusses with lots of great detail. It starts with an empty tomb.  Mary Magdalene heads over to the tomb on Sunday morning. We know from other Gospel accounts that she wanted to properly prepare Jesus' body for burial, as the Friday tomb situation had been rushed. It's then she saw that the stone had been removed. She goes to get Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved (most likely John, the author). They rushed to the tomb. Jesus' body was no longer there but the strips of cloth used to wrap his dead body were still present.    John went inside. He saw and believed. Think about those words. He had been walking with Jesus for three years. John saw miracle after miracle, healing after healing, feeding after feeding. But none of it made sense. It now makes sense. What Jesus said would happen has happened. The cross did not have the final word. Jesus Christ defeated death and darkness. He overcame the world.   Jesus then appears to Mary Magdalene, to the disciples, and then specifically to Thomas, who said he needed to see the scars himself to truly believe.  Jesus knew that his dear friends would be feeling thoroughly defeated and they needed his presence.  The Holy Spirit was not yet here and they needed to see his physical body to have the peace that only Jesus can bring.  He also wants to encourage them to continue his mission.  Nothing is done.  One of my favorite verses is John 20:21, Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And then he breathes on them so they receive the Spirit.  They won't fully receive the Spirit until Pentecost but I think they got a taste of God's Spirit right here, enough to empower them and encourage them to keep on keeping on.    The transforming power of God was at work then and is still at work today! The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us as believers. There is power in that, friends! We are resurrection people. We believe that what was dead can be brought to life. We believe that we are new people in Jesus Christ. We believe that we are raised with Christ. We believe that there is so much more to this world than meets the eye. How have you seen resurrection power at work in your life? Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Pastor Micah Klutinoty in John 20:19-31 shares that the risen Jesus offers true life to all who believe, bringing peace (with God, within, and toward the world), purpose as ambassadors of reconciliation, and a patient pursuit that meets us in our doubts. In Him we find everything we need—peace, mission, and mercy—so that others might be urged and welcomed to repentance and faith.

Welcome to the Grace in Focus podcast. Today, Ken Yates and Kathryn Wright are answering a question from a John 20:23. What is the “forgiving” and the “retaining” of sins that Jesus is talking with His disciples about? Please listen today and each weekday, to the Grace in Focus podcast!