September 28, 2026 - John 16-21

In Jesus’ high priestly prayer, in which he intercedes for his people, he prays not only for the disciples who were with him at the time, but he also prayed for us, for me!  “I do not ask for these only; but also for those who will believe in me through their word” (17:20).  That’s pretty awesome, that Jesus had me on his mind as he was about to be betrayed and arrested.

What a moment, when Peter and John arrived at the tomb, only to see nothing but the linen clothes lying there, folded up neatly!  The Scripture says that John went in and believed (20:8) when he saw these things.  But, those first thoughts!  What could they have been thinking?  We have in the Scriptures what we need to know about all this, but I can’t help wondering about those first thoughts.  I want to have that conversation with Peter and John in eternity and ask them to tell me in detail what was going through their minds.  Wow.  And Mary Magdalene’s testimony to the disciples!  “I have seen the Lord” (20:18).

His is risen!  That’s good news any time, especially good news in the midst of a world often seemingly gone crazy.

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless king

through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of life,

who triumphed o'er the grave,

and rose victorious in the strife

for those he came to save;

his glories now we sing

who died and rose on high,

who died eternal life to bring,

and lives that death may die.   -- Matthew Bridges (1851)