A Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 12
- ontrakk
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
John 20:9
(They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)
I had forgotten about how the disciples had initially known that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, but did not at once understand this. They left again, not understanding. We are such simple-minded beings. Why did Mary hang around, closer? I have some thoughts about this, perhaps unpopular in this day of “nothing is absolute.” Mary had a special love for Jesus; the love a woman has for a beloved family member, or a very close friend. She was not able to go far when all of this was happening and had happened to Jesus. She had to be there. And once it was “over”, she could not simply turn around and leave. This does not make her “better” or smarter, but I think it does show us a different kind of love.
Holy Lord, May I learn something more about love from Mary. She is one to be admired, for many reasons. Change my heart, like you did for Mary, hold me close, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Phebe
John 20:9
Lucado’s focus was on John, but none of the disciples understood. This, despite both Scripture and Jesus explicitly telling them before the events of the week. Would I have understood? Our human existence, limited as it is by time and space, would likely have relegated me to the same role as the disciple, Thomas, doubting right up until laying my eyes on Him. That Thomas was stung by Jesus’ gentle admonition that those who believe without seeing are blessed. This Thomas is a grateful recipient of that blessing.
Prayer - Jesus, Your physical resurrection from the dead is so unsettling that much of the world, including many who consider themselves to be professional theologians and even clergy, reject…
John 20:9
They did not understand, they did not put it all together. Grief is powerful, sometimes we do not think clearly and things seem confusing and muddled when we are in the midst of personal grief, maybe that had something to do with the disciples not understanding and their decision to leave. (?) A glorious time lies ahead…
Heavenly Father, thank you for your gift of salvation. Please keep my heart and mind centered on You and the glorious time that lies ahead for me. Amen
John 20:9.
Even John did not understand it! Peter either. When Jesus told them about his death and resurrection they really didn't understand. Even today many question this miracle. But they don't know God. They don't know he is the architect of this greatest of all miracles. Soon the disciples would encounter the risen Jesus and finally understand.
Prayer: Gracious God, today we know our belief in your resurrection is the beginning of our marvelous journey. AMEN
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
John 20:9
For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Again, I had to read the before and subsequent verses to fully understand verse 9.
The disciples, Peter and John initially reacted with total confusion, perhaps even disbelief. Jesus told the disciples quite explicitly that He would rise again, but they simply didn't understand Him. They saw the empty tomb and the burial cloths, but they didn't fully comprehend the implications of Jesus resurrection. How would I have reacted if I had spent three years with Jesus as his disciple. I probably would struggle with accepting these profound truths, especially when those truths challenged my confusion with th…