John: WEEKEND RECHARGE!

August 30, 2025

Monday, August 25—John 19:38-42
Tuesday, August 26—John 20:1-18
Wednesday, August 27—John 20:19-29
Thursday, August 28—John 21:1-25
Friday, August 29—John Wrap Up

THIS WEEK’S DAILY DEVO OVERVIEW: JOHN 19:38—JOHN 21:25

JOHN 19:38-42—Courage in the Shadows

• John’s account of Jesus’ burial by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus underscores that Jesus truly died—refuting false teachings like Docetism or the “Swoon Theory.” His death was physical and real, necessary for the atonement of sin.
  
  
• Joseph and Nicodemus, once secret followers of Jesus, showed great courage in publicly honoring him with a proper burial. Their bold actions risked reputation, status, and safety.
  
  
• Despite the urgency of the Sabbath deadline, everything came together perfectly to ensure Jesus was buried before sundown. God’s plan was unfolding precisely, even in the shadows of sorrow and secrecy.

JOHN 20:1-18—Alive!

• Despite Jesus' prior teachings, his resurrection initially confused even his closest followers. The empty tomb and the burial cloths sparked both confusion and belief, marking the first steps toward understanding that Jesus had truly risen from the dead.
  
  
• Mary Magdalene’s sorrow was transformed the moment Jesus called her by name. Her personal encounter shows how the risen Christ comes to us individually and intimately—He knows us and calls us personally.
  
  
• Mary Magdalene, once possessed by demons, became the first witness of the resurrection and the first to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord.” Her transformation highlights the power of the resurrected Christ to give purpose and boldness to our lives.

JOHN 20:19-29—My Lord and My God

• During fear and confusion, Jesus appeared to his disciples and spoke peace over them. He not only calmed their fears, but also commissioned them to carry his message to the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
  
  
• Thomas doubted until he personally saw the risen Jesus. His powerful confession, “My Lord and my God,” shows that true faith recognizes Jesus’ divinity. But Jesus also blessed those who believe without having seen—referring to future believers like us.
  
  
• The resurrection validated everything Jesus said and did. In appearing to the disciples—and especially to Thomas—He revealed himself fully as both Lord and God, fulfilling the promises and prophecies declared throughout the Gospel of John.

JOHN 21:1-25—Restored!

• After Peter’s denial, Jesus didn't shame him—He pursued him. On the shore, Jesus created space for grace, restoring Peter through a gentle but honest conversation centered on love and calling.
  
  
• Before commissioning Peter to “feed my sheep,” Jesus first addressed his heart. True ministry flows from restored relationship. Peter’s past failure didn’t disqualify him—it became the foundation for deeper purpose.
  
  
• When Peter asked about John’s future, Jesus redirected him with the powerful words: “You follow me.” Jesus’ plan for each of us is personal and not to be compared. Faithfulness means focusing on our own call.

JOHN Wrap Up—Grace Covered Cracks

• Peter's public denial was painful and shameful, but Jesus met him with grace, not condemnation. Grace doesn’t ignore failure—it heals it.
  
  
• Jesus doesn’t discard brokenness. He uses it to create something beautiful and purposeful for his glory.
  
  
• John closes his Gospel with the reminder that there’s far more to Jesus than we could ever fully know. Our relationship with him is an ongoing journey of discovery and grace.

Outline of John’s Gospel
Prologue: 1:1-18
In this rich theological treatise, John introduces Jesus as the Word. Jesus—the Word—is the eternal Son of God, existing with God from eternity past, and was the agent of creation. In God’s perfect timing, the Word became flesh and lived for a time among us.

Seven Signs: 1:19-12:50
John chose seven signs that proved Jesus’ deity and divine authority:

1. Changing water into wine in Cana (2:1–11)
2. Healing an official’s son in Capernaum (4:46–54)
3. Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (5:1–18)
4. Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee (6:5–14)
5. Walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee (6:16–21)
6. Healing a blind man in Jerusalem (9:1–7)
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany (11:1–45)

Instructions to Disciples: 13-17
In what is called the “Farewell Discourse” or the “Upper Room Discourse,” Jesus…

…Demonstrated servant leadership by washing the disciples’ feet (John 13).
…Reveal himself to be the only way to God (John 14).
…Promised the Holy Spirit (John 14).
…Taught the “vine and branches” analogy explaining what it means to abide in him (John 15).
…Assured the disciples of the Holy Spirit’s work, even in persecution (John 16).
…Prayed for himself, the disciples, and all future believers (John 17).

Death and Resurrection: 18-20

• Jesus was betrayed and arrested (John 18:1-11)
• Jesus was tried before Jewish authorities and Pilate (John 18:12-40)
• Jesus was sentenced, crucified, and buried (19:1-42)
• Jesus rose from the dead and revealed himself to his followers (John 20:1-29)
• The purpose of John’s Gospel is explained (John 20:30-31)

John 20:30-31
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;  but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Epilogue: 21
Jesus appeared on the shore by the Sea of Galilee and restored Peter.