Devotions

Living Hope – April 18, 2026

2026/04/18/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9

Living Hope

A person struggles with a dangerous sin. He has given in before. It’s such a struggle that some days he is ready to give in for good. But he hangs on, remembering the battle Jesus fought to set him free. He continues to fight, relying on God’s power that raised Jesus to life. And where there is life, there is hope.

This new life is ours through the good news of the crucified and risen Jesus. Through this message, the Holy Spirit connects us to the accomplished work of our Savior. Jesus’ death becomes our death. Jesus’ life becomes our life—a living hope.

Living hope is not skeptical. It does not get discouraged when life’s circumstances change. Living hope holds onto God’s indestructible inheritance. If you die or the world ends, it’s still yours. It can’t be spoiled by sin or sinful people. It won’t lose value over time. God is keeping it safe for you in heaven. By faith in Jesus, that inheritance is your salvation—eternal freedom from sin, death, and the devil’s power.

So, rejoice! Jesus lives! And where there is life, there is hope.

Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, I praise you for the life, hope, and inheritance I have in you. And so, I consider it a joy if I must suffer for your name. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Military Devotion – Walking with Jesus’ Promises – April 17, 2026

2026/04/17/in Military Devotions

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Based on Luke 24:13-35

Walking with Jesus’ Promises

“This is not what I thought it would be.” I’m not sure what the Navy recruiter told him, or what he expected life in the Navy to be, or what he chose to hear from his recruiter, what his friends or family said, but after two years in, this is not what he expected. I can see you smiling as you listen to this devotion – because you know. After a PCS, a deployment, a school, the transition from active to civilian – you heard all sorts of things, but until you get there, it can be a different experience. And you may find yourself saying, “This is not what I thought it would be.” There are all kinds of struggles – both emotional and spiritual – that go along with it.

You’re not alone. This is nothing new, especially for God’s people. That first Easter evening, two of Jesus’ disciples began their slow walk from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. Jesus sidles up to them on their walk and joins their conversation. He plays dumb when they share the news about their teacher, Jesus from Nazareth whom they had hoped was the Messiah, the Christ, was now dead. And there were rumors about a resurrection. They said, “He wasn’t what we thought he would be.”

Starting with Scripture Jesus began to teach them what the Holy Spirit had said about him all along, to correct their misconceptions about the Messiah.

When you find yourself in those life situations that force you to say, “This is not what I thought it would be,” the soul asks of God, “Didn’t you say something about this? Why aren’t you doing what you said you would do?”

Sometimes like those two disciples we believe things about God that aren’t true. For example, have you ever said this or had someone say this to you, “God helps those who help themselves.” It can be used in a situation where you’ve made some questionable decisions and in order to free yourself from more dire consequences you are encouraged to put some effort forward and then God will help you the rest of the way. Nowhere in Scripture does God promise this to you.

In fact, the opposite is true. The Bible says, “When we were still powerless… while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6,8). When we are completely helpless, when we say things like, “This is not what I expected,” Jesus sidles up to us and with his words says, “Here is what I have promised you. First, that I died for you. So, for all those times you’ve pegged me for things I haven’t promised you, I forgive you for that. I rose from the dead so that you may know that all the promises I made in the Bible, they will happen. I will keep them, just for you. And this one that you struggle with, “God helps those who help themselves,” I have promised you, “God helps the helpless. God is the strength of the weak. God will give glory and relief after you suffer the crosses you must carry. God loves you.”

My friends, keep walking with Jesus, so that you know what he has promised. Cling to what he has promised.

Prayer:

O God, by the humiliation of your Son, you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys. Grant hope to those who struggle to see your Almighty guiding hand in the current conflicts of the world. Grant wisdom to our leaders so that there may be peaceful resolutions in the Middle East. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Risen and living Savior. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

I’ll Believe It When I See It! – April 17, 2026

2026/04/17/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:19,24-29

I’ll Believe It When I See It!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“I’ll believe it when I see it!” Have you said that lately? Maybe someone told you something amazing and you weren’t sure it was true. Other people don’t always tell the truth. Sadly, people say things that they don’t mean. Sometimes, people lie to us. You can’t believe everything people say. We learn to say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

Here’s the problem: Sometimes, we say those words to God. God isn’t like us people. God doesn’t lie. God doesn’t change his mind. God always tells the truth. Yet we sometimes treat God like he’s just another person. We don’t believe him. We say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

That’s what Jesus’ disciple Thomas said after Jesus rose from the dead. It sounded too good to be true. Even though Jesus had told his disciples many times that he was going to rise from the dead, Thomas didn’t believe it. Even after his friends saw Jesus on Easter evening, Thomas still didn’t believe it. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands . . . I will not believe” (John 20:25). In other words, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

So, Jesus did a wonderful thing for Thomas: He let Thomas see him. That next Sunday night, Jesus appeared to his disciples again, and this time he made sure that Thomas was with them. He let Thomas see the nail marks in his hands. He showed Thomas that it was really him. He was really alive! Finally, Thomas believed and said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas wasn’t doubting anymore—he believed!

Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Blessed are those who don’t need to see to believe. That includes you! You can trust Jesus. When Jesus says something, it’s always true.

Jesus promises that he is with us always. Is that true, even though we can’t see him? Yes! Jesus says that he has prepared special rooms for us in heaven. Is that true, even though we can’t see them? Yes! Jesus says that he has washed away all our sins. Is that true? Yes! Faith is believing in what we can’t see. We trust Jesus because he always keeps his promises. We don’t need to see it to believe it. We trust Jesus’ words!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for gently taking away Thomas’ doubts about your resurrection. When we doubt too, use your Word to convince us that we don’t need to see it to believe it. Help us trust your promises every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What didn’t Thomas want to believe?
What did Jesus do to take Thomas’ doubts away?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Besides the examples in this devotion, what are two other promises God makes to us in the Bible that involve things we can’t see? (Jesus hears our prayers, heaven, angels, forgiveness, etc.)
How can we know that those promises are true?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Reread Thomas’ confession: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). What very important truth did Thomas confess about Jesus?
Thomas is often known as “doubting Thomas” because of this one recorded moment. But based on this whole story, why isn’t that a very fair way to describe Thomas? What would be a better way to describe him? (Maybe: believing Thomas, trusting Thomas, or forgiven Thomas.)

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Written For Your Faith – April 17, 2026

2026/04/17/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

Written For Your Faith

The apostle John closes his book with a purpose: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

The resurrection appearances were not random miracles. They were signs. Proof. Testimony. Carefully preserved and proclaimed so that future generations—like us—might have certainty.

Christian faith is not blind optimism. It rests on recorded, eyewitness history. The apostles saw Jesus. They touched him. They ate with him. And then they wrote. Why? So “that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” Notice the present tense: have life. Not only future glory, but also present peace and access to God.

Jesus lives, and therefore you live. His victory becomes your victory. His declaration of sins forgiven becomes your declaration of peace with God. His promise to be with you always becomes your source of calm and courage. His selfless love for you becomes your motivation to selflessly love your neighbor.

This is why we treasure the Bible. It is not merely a collection of inspiring thoughts. It is Spirit-breathed testimony to the living Jesus. Through it, Jesus still comes into locked rooms and hearts. Through it, he still shows his wounds. Through it, he still declares, “Peace be with you.”

When doubts arise, return to what is written. When fear closes in, return to what is written. When guilt accuses, return to what is written.

The resurrection of Jesus on Easter is not only an annual celebration. It is daily proof that your sins are forgiven and your future is secure. He lives to give you proof and peace. He lives—and in him, you have life.

Prayer:

Living Lord Jesus, anchor my faith in your written Word. Through it, grant me unshakable proof and enduring peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Wounded Lord Draws Near – April 16, 2026

2026/04/16/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:26-29

The Wounded Lord Draws Near

A week after Jesus appeared to his disciples on Easter evening, he appears again. The doors are locked. This time, Thomas is present. Jesus speaks directly to him. “Put your finger here; see my hands… Stop doubting and believe.”

What mercy! Jesus repeats Thomas’s own words back to him—not to mock, but to invite. The Lord had heard his doubt. And now he answers it with the proof of his wounds from the cross. Even in resurrection glory, Jesus keeps the marks of crucifixion as proof of his undeserved love.

Thomas responds with the clearest confession in John’s Gospel: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas declares who Jesus is—God himself—and who Jesus is to him—his Lord. His doubt is transformed into worship.

Jesus then speaks to us: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This is not second-class faith. It is faith grounded in the testimony of the apostles. The eyewitnesses saw so that we may trust their proclamation.

We do not touch his wounds physically. However, we encounter the same crucified and risen Jesus in his Word and in the Lord’s Supper. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus provides individual sinners with the ongoing assurance that his body and blood have been given and shed for them.

He lives. And his living presence continues to comfort wounded consciences.

Your wounds, too, are known to him. By his death and resurrection, he transformed your guilt into peace, your temporary pain into enduring hope, and your momentary sorrows into joy that will last forever.

Thomas received what he asked for and more. He received a living Savior. So do you.

Prayer:

My Lord and my God, thank you for meeting my doubts with mercy. Keep my faith anchored in your wounded yet victorious body. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Living Hope – April 15, 2026

2026/04/15/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

A Living Hope

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Hope. Do you know what that word means? When you know your birthday is coming up, you hope for some great presents. If it’s a rainy day, you hope the sun will come out. If your friends or parents have been really busy lately, you hope they’ll have time to play with you soon. Hope is looking forward to something good. Hope is believing that something good is going to come in the future.

Sometimes, that’s hard. It’s hard to have hope. Instead, we feel hopeless. Do you know what that’s like? Feeling hopeless is when it seems like everything goes wrong, like nothing ever goes right, like your life is never going to be good or happy. It can feel like nothing will get better.

Are you feeling hopeful or hopeless today? (You can answer in your head right now.)

There were some Christians in the Bible who were tempted to feel hopeless. Life had been hard for them. The worst part was that people were mistreating them because they were Christians. They wondered if there was any hope at all.

Was there? Yes! How? Listen, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

As hard as their lives were, those Christians had a “living hope,” a hope that kept on going and going and living and living no matter what. It didn’t run out. It didn’t disappear. Where did that hope come from? Jesus! The fact that Jesus rose from the dead meant that they could always have hope.

Why? Because Jesus had given them something that could never perish, spoil, or fade. He had planned something really good for them that no one and nothing could ever take away. What was it? Heaven. Jesus’ resurrection gives us the living hope of heaven.

Even when life is hard, you have a living hope: Jesus! Even when everyone seems against you, there is someone who is for you: Jesus! Even when this world makes you sad, you have something you can look forward to: Heaven with Jesus! No one can take that away from you. Easter gives us living hope in Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes we feel hopeless. It can seem like everything is hard and bad and we don’t have anything to look forward to. That’s not true! Use the message of Easter to fill us with a living hope in you and your promise of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What is something that you hope for?
What do you know about heaven? What do you think it will be like?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What are two examples of things that can make kids feel hopeless? (bad day at school, fight with a friend, losing a game, feeling left out, etc.)
Why does knowing that Jesus rose from the dead give you hope?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain in your own words what the word “hope” means. Can you give an example?
What does it mean that the hope that comes from Jesus is a “living” hope?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When Doubt Demands Proof – April 15, 2026

2026/04/15/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
John 20:24–25

When Doubt Demands Proof

Thomas was not there. We are not told why. But in his absence, he missed out on the peace the risen Jesus brought to his disciples with his appearance. When the others told him, “We have seen the Lord,” Thomas refused to believe without tangible proof. “Unless I see… unless I touch… I will not believe.”

We often judge Thomas rather harshly. Yet his demand is deeply human. Disappointment makes us guarded. Grief makes us cautious. We hesitate to trust again. Thomas was not asking for some mystical feeling; he wanted reality.

But notice this: even in his doubt, Thomas remained among the disciples. He did not abandon the fellowship entirely. And that matters.

There will be seasons when you struggle. You may wrestle with suffering, prayers that seem unanswered, or intellectual questions. Doubt does not shock Jesus. He knows the wounds that cause it.

Yet the answer to doubt is not isolation. When doubt or grief casts a long shadow over your soul, the worst thing you can do is to go off alone with your gloomy thoughts.

The best thing you can do is to go where believers in Jesus gather around the promises of God and encourage one another with those promises. Go and be where Jesus meets with us— “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Go and be where his sweet “Peace be with you,” is spoken, where praying with others and for others and singing praise to God with many voices can lift you up and outside of yourself. The answer to doubt is not isolation.

Thomas stayed close enough to hear again.

And Jesus did not scold him from a distance. He came near. He lives not to shame doubters, but to give them proof and peace. The risen Jesus is patient with you, too. Even when your grip weakens, his hold remains firm.

Prayer:

Lord, when I struggle with doubt, keep me near your Word and your people. Strengthen my faith with the certainty of your resurrection. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sent with the Spirit’s Power – April 14, 2026

2026/04/14/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
John 20:21–23

Sent with the Spirit’s Power

Twice, Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” Then he added, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

The peace Jesus gives is not stagnant. It inspires people who have found peace to now offer it to others in Jesus’ name.

Notice what empowered Jesus’ disciples: “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The same Lord who breathed life into Adam now breathes new life into fearful disciples. Resurrection life becomes missionary life.

And what is the core of their mission? Forgiveness. “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” This is astonishing authority. Christians do not invent forgiveness; they deliver what Jesus purchased. The peace Jesus spoke in that locked room now travels through the mouths of believers into the ears of sinners. When a believer in Jesus declares, “I forgive you in Jesus’ name,” it is not wishful thinking. It is the living Jesus applying the forgiveness he purchased and won.

Receive from the risen Jesus the power of forgiveness.

Receive from the risen Jesus the power to forgive.

You are sent to bring peace to people in this world—not necessarily across oceans, but across rooms, across tables, across ordinary conversations. You carry the message that death has been defeated and sins are forgiven.

“Peace be with you!”

Prayer:

Jesus, breathe your Spirit into me. Fill me with your peace and send me to share the forgiveness you have won. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Confident in Christ – April 13, 2026

2026/04/13/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Acts 2:14,22-32

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:14,22-24

Confident in Christ

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On the night before Jesus died, Jesus’ disciple Peter did a bad thing. A really sad thing. Do you remember what he did? After Jesus was arrested and brought to trial at the high priest’s house, Peter followed along. He wanted to see what happened to Jesus. But people recognized Peter. Three different people said, “You’re one of Jesus’ disciples, aren’t you?” Do you remember what Peter said? He was scared. So he cried out, “No!” Peter denied Jesus three times. Isn’t that awful?

Actually, we’ve all done that, haven’t we? Maybe there have been times at school when your classmates have done or said something wrong, and you’ve been afraid to let them know that you believe in Jesus. Maybe you stayed quiet when you could have said something kind. Maybe there have been times at your house when you’ve chosen not to go to church or read a Bible story because you think you have something more important to do. Just like Peter, it’s easy to deny Jesus. It’s easy to be quiet about Jesus. It’s easy to shake and shiver in our faith in Jesus.

But something changed Peter. Just 50 days later, on the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up in front of thousands of people and boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus. He wasn’t scared anymore. Isn’t that surprising? In just 50 days, Peter went from denying Jesus before a few people to boldly proclaiming his faith in Jesus before thousands of people.

What changed? Peter explained: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” Seeing God raise Jesus to life on Easter changed Peter’s heart and life. Jesus’ resurrection took Peter’s doubts away, and when he received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter was ready to stand up and let everyone know that Jesus is the Savior.

Are you? You can be confident too. Seeing how Jesus was willing to die for you and was able to rise for you is meant to change your life. How can you be ashamed of your Savior who gave his life for you? How can you be afraid to follow your Savior who rose from the dead? You have a Savior who has even conquered death. He loves you! He is with you! He helps you be brave. Every day, you can be confident in Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, just like Peter when you were arrested, it’s easy for us to be ashamed of you and pretend we’re not followers of you. Forgive us! Instead, just like Peter on the day of Pentecost, use your resurrection and your Holy Spirit to make us confident in you. Help us be brave and talk about you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What bad thing did Peter do on the night that Jesus was arrested?
What good thing did Peter do on the day of Pentecost? (Was Peter talking to a few people or a lot of people?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How did Peter go from denying Jesus to proclaiming Jesus? What changed his heart?
If you saw someone rise from the dead, how would that change your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain this statement: As you get older, it becomes easier to deny Jesus.
Give three examples of situations in your life in which you can be confident in Christ.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Walk by Faith – Week of April 13, 2026

2026/04/13/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

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A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

John 20:26-27

Walk by Faith

I like to watch the group competitions on reality TV shows. In one competition, the team must walk blindfolded through a series of obstacles. The team chooses one member to be the “caller”, and this person must shout out directions and commands to the group that is working through the challenge. This requires clarity of voice and precise directions from the “caller”. But it also requires a profound amount of trust from the rest of the team. One misstep and the whole team can be off course, run into a beam, or fall into a pit of mud. They must believe the words of their leader, even when they cannot see the path for themselves.

After Jesus had shown himself to the disciples, Thomas had a hard time believing his friends. Thomas knew that Jesus had been nailed to the cross, pierced in his side, and buried. So, it was hard to believe that Jesus would be alive, walking among them.

But in his great mercy, Jesus returned to Thomas. Jesus let Thomas see with his own eyes that Jesus had come back to life. Thomas saw Jesus’ almighty power. Jesus allowed Thomas to see him and to touch him. Then, he encouraged Thomas to “stop doubting and believe.” What a beautiful sight it was for Thomas!

We are called by God to believe and to live by that faith. Sometimes it seems as though we are stumbling through the world blindfolded, walking into beams and falling into the mud pits of our own sins and doubts. Instead of trusting the voice of our Savior, who calls out to us through his Word in the Bible, we find ourselves trusting in human reason or in our own strength. We find ourselves trusting in those things that we can see. We think that our way is better. But the path that we choose by ourselves will always lead us into danger in this world and worse; when we choose our own path it will lead to eternal death.

But we can ignore the noise of the world and listen to the voice of Jesus, our Savior. He will never lead us into danger, and he blesses us when we listen to his voice. When we read and study his Word in the Bible, he works faith in our heart and prepares us to fight daily against the obstacles of this world.

When we go to church and listen to the Word of God, he gives us the “proof” that we need. Through the power of God the Holy Spirit, he gives us faith to “see” the true peace that we have through Jesus. God gives us the same promise every day—we are forgiven and will live with him in heaven!

Prayer:

Dearest Savior,
All praise, O Lord, for Thomas,
Whose short-lived doubtings prove
Your perfect twofold nature,
The depth of your true love.
To all who live with questions
A steadfast faith afford
And grant us grace to know you,
Made flesh, yet God and Lord. Amen.

Christian Worship 892 v.6

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Behind Locked Doors – April 13, 2026

2026/04/13/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
John 20:19-20

Behind Locked Doors

The doors were locked. The disciples were scared. The next knock on the door might be Roman soldiers sent by Jesus’ enemies to finish the job and make sure every last disciple of Jesus was silenced for good. But then—without knocking—Jesus came and stood among them.

“Peace be with you.”

This peace knows everything is the way it should be. Hiding behind locked doors was not going to manufacture calm and peace in the disciples. So, Jesus came to them. The living, breathing, crucified-and-risen Jesus stood in the middle of their anxiety and declared peace—everything is as it should be. I’m alive. You’re forgiven. Peace be with you.

Not only did he declare peace to them, but he also gave them the proof they needed. He showed them his hands and side. The proof of his love remained visible. His wounds had not vanished. The proof of his presence was no longer in doubt.

You may feel isolated in your doubts, guilt, or fear of the future. Yet the risen Jesus does not wait for you to manufacture peace on your own. Through his Word, he stands among his people today.

And he still says, “Peace be with you.”

When we are afraid, Jesus doesn’t say, “Calm yourselves.” He says, “Look at me. See the wounds that won your freedom.” The same body that hung on the cross now stands alive. The penalty of sin was paid. Death was undone. Peace with God has been won.

The peace Jesus gives is not based on our feelings, but on Jesus’ promised presence, power, and love for us. Jesus proved his love for us when he died on the cross for us. He proved his power when he conquered death. Jesus lives, so our souls trust that Jesus makes everything the way it should be.

“Peace be with you!”

Prayer:

Jesus, fix my eyes on your wounds, that I may have peace in the certainty of your victory. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Proof That Brings Peace – April 12, 2026

2026/04/12/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: The risen Jesus gives proof for our faith and peace for our hearts.

On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!”
After eight days, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Take your hand and put it into my side. Do not continue to doubt, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:19, 26-29 EHV

The Proof That Brings Peace

Doubt creeps in when life feels uncertain. You pray, but the answer doesn’t seem to come. You hear God’s promises, but they feel distant. You want to believe, yet questions rise anyway. That uneasiness grows, and you begin to wonder if peace is possible when your heart feels so unsettled.

The disciples knew that struggle. On Easter evening they hid behind locked doors. They were scared. They had heard that the tomb was empty, but fear still ruled them. Everything they thought they knew seemed to collapse with the cross. Then Jesus appeared! He stood among them, though the doors were locked. He showed them his hands and his side. The scars proved it was really him. He spoke words they could never have spoken to themselves: “Peace be with you.” Everything changed. What had been filled with dread was now filled with joy.

The disciple Thomas missed it that first night. His words echo the thoughts of many: Unless I see it for myself, I cannot believe. A week later Jesus came again. This time he came for Thomas. He invited Thomas to see, to touch, to believe. He gave him the very proof he asked for. And then Jesus spoke words that have brought comfort to so many generations of Christians: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

That blessing belongs to you. You haven’t seen the risen Lord with your eyes (not yet!), but you hear his voice in his Word. You received his peace in Baptism, where he marked you as his own and joined you to his death and resurrection. You hear his forgiveness spoken again and again in absolution. You gather with other believers and confess that he is alive. Again and again, he answers your doubts with solid truths: sins forgiven, life secured, peace with God.

Faith does not mean questions never arise. Faith means that when questions do come, Jesus meets you with his promises. He enters the locked places of your heart. He brings peace to your troubled conscience. He shows you scars that prove your redemption is complete. He lives, and because he lives, your heart can rest in his peace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my doubts with your promises. Calm my fears, forgive my sins, and strengthen my faith through your Word. Fill me with your peace so that I may live each day in the joy of your resurrection. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Then Jesus Stepped Into the Room – April 12, 2026

2026/04/12/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.
John 20:19-20

Then Jesus Stepped Into the Room

How secure are you? Is your job safe, or is there a lay-off coming? How about your health? Or what if you had a serious car accident, or your home caught on fire, or what if …?

These are important questions, but in reality, almost laughingly insignificant in comparison to, “What is my relationship to God?” Or to put it a different way, “When I die, where will I go—to heaven or hell?” Now these questions simply have to be answered, or there will be a nagging sense of worry, emptiness, and insecurity.

The problem is, as we look into our heart and mind, we’re not helped. Have we been perfectly patient with those around us, shown perfect love to them, always been an example of Christ-like love? Or do we see in ourselves a rash of impatience, unkindness, selfishness? Ouch, more insecurity.

Jesus’ disciples understood insecurity. There they were, locked in the room, with no idea what was going to happen next, with no idea where their life was going to go. And then? Then Jesus stepped into the room.

And what did he do? He showed them his hands and side. There, on his nail-pierced hands, was proof that the disciples were forgiven, that Jesus had fully paid for all their sins, and that they stood at one with God. It wasn’t, “Don’t worry, be happy, the sun will come out tomorrow.” No, it was far deeper. It was, “See here—in my hands and side—the proof that I love you! The proof that your sins are forgiven and you’re on the way to heaven!”

Jesus’ hands and side say the same thing to you and me: “You are forgiven. You are loved. You are on the way to heaven!”

Prayer:

Jesus, my risen Savior, often I’m nervous and afraid. Forgive me. Focus my attention on your nail-scarred, risen hands, that I might see clearly that my sins are forgiven, and that I’m at peace with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We Know Where Our Savior Is! – April 11, 2026

2026/04/11/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him.”
John 20:1-2

We Know Where Our Savior Is!

Panic, confusion, and emptiness filled Mary Magdalene. Already her heart was heavy with grief as she prepared for one last act of love for the one she had followed as the promised Messiah. She would help anoint his body for burial and then leave the tomb without hope and without help. But now this was too much to bear. Not only was her friend dead, but his body was also missing.

First, panic set in. “What could have happened?” Mary must have thought. Then confusion followed. “How could just a few days change my life so much? Just days ago, I thought I had found the Messiah. How I loved listening to him! His words freed me from my burdens. I really thought Jesus was the one. But now he’s gone. What am I to do?” And now her life felt empty. No Jesus. No hope. No help.

And that’s how our lives would also be, if Jesus had never been found, or if his dead body would have been discovered in the tomb or elsewhere. Without a risen Savior, we could have no hope, no help, no forgiveness, no life. Then we would have every reason to panic. Then confusion and emptiness would be our lot in life, and we would be pitiable and hopeless indeed.

Thankfully, the apostle Paul assures us in the book of 1 Corinthians, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Thank the Lord, we know where our risen Savior is! He’s not in the grave, for he is alive, and we have the certain hope that we live eternally. Now our life remains full, today and forever!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, today I rejoice in the reality of your resurrection and the hope and help it provides. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Military Devotion – Hope because He Lives – April 10, 2026

2026/04/10/in Military Devotions

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Based on 1 Peter 1:3-9

Hope because He Lives

At 0430 the first boom sounded over the water. Over 4,000 booms would be heard the next 34 hours over Charleston Harbor as confederate artillery rounds pounded Fort Sumter on this date, April 12, 1861. Four years later almost three quarters of a million people lost their lives. Can you imagine the entire population of Denver, CO perishing within four years?

I won’t enumerate the numbers of American lives lost in wars, conflicts and terrorist attacks since then. As I reflect on this and the lives lost in the current conflict in the Middle East I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “There will be wars and rumors of wars until the day I come back to earth.” This can lead to a spirit of despair, thoughts of inevitability – there will always be a need for armed forces. We will always need brave men and women to raise their right hand and say, “I will prepare for war and go to war if need be.” I will always be thankful for you and at the same time I will be sad that we need military at all. I will pray for peace, but Jesus says there will be war. I will pray that lives are spared, but people will die as they always have. That makes some wonder, “Could I die that way, in war, in combat, even as a civilian, could it happen I die because of collateral damage?” Sometimes life feels hopeless.

You and I need to look at our hopeless situation, the world situation, through Jesus’ words as he speaks through Apostle Peter, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Hope. Not so much a “I really hope my paperwork goes through today”, but a “I hope, I know for certain this thing that God my Father promised me will happen.”

The sure and certain thing? Jesus died. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus lives today, in a very real, physical way. Your sure and certain reality, your living hope, is this: no matter how you die, and you will someday, I will die someday, because Jesus lives, we, too shall live. We have a resurrection from the dead. Peter describes it this way, “. . . This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). You have an inheritance because someone died. Jesus died. But he came back to life and lives so that you might know and believe with living hope: this resurrection from the dead is yours right now, kept in a safe place, safer than the Fort Knox depository, and not even civil war, not even WWIII, not even death can take it from you. That is the hope you have because a dead man came back to life and lives for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in a world of wars and rumors of wars, we confess our hearts grow heavy with despair. Yet you have raised Jesus from the dead, and in him you have secured for us a living hope — an inheritance no grave can snatch away. We give you thanks for those who serve in our nation’s military, who stand watch so others may sleep in peace. Sustain them in body and soul. Remind all of us that because Jesus lives, we too shall live. In his victorious name we pray. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Do Not Be Afraid! – April 10, 2026

2026/04/10/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 28:1-10

Do Not Be Afraid!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What are you afraid of? There are lots of things that can make us scared. Maybe you’re afraid of spiders, snakes, or bugs. Maybe the dark or a big thunderstorm scares you. Or maybe you don’t like being home alone. Everyone has something that makes them afraid!

One of the scariest things for people is death. Kids might not think about it much, but adults do. Death can feel very, very scary. Some parents worry the most about losing their kids. Of all the scary things in the world, death seems the scariest.

That’s why Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were so sad as they went to Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning. They remembered how horrible it was to see Jesus die on the cross. They were scared and worried as they carried spices to his tomb.

But when they got there, something amazing happened. Jesus wasn’t in the tomb! Instead, they saw an angel. Do you remember what the angel said first? “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:5). That must have been surprising! How could they not be afraid? Jesus had died! Then the angel shared the best news ever: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).

Can you imagine how happy the women must have been? They ran from the tomb, still a little afraid but filled with joy, when suddenly they saw someone. Who was it? Jesus! He said exactly what the angel had said, “Do not be afraid” (Matthew 28:10).

Do you get the point? Do not be afraid! Not even of death. Jesus has power over death. That means death isn’t the end for everyone who believes in him. Just like Jesus rose from the dead, he will raise us too.

For Christians, death is the day we get to be with Jesus forever in heaven. So do not be afraid!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, there are a lot of scary things in life, including death. Thank you for rising from the dead and promising to raise everyone who believes in you. Help us not to be afraid, even of death. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What are some things that make you afraid?
Why don’t you ever have to be afraid, even of death?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do people sometimes think death is scarier than anything else?
What hope does Jesus give us when we think about death?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Look up John 11:25-26. What promise does Jesus give about death?
What could you say to your parents to help them not be afraid of death?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Lord Provides a Savior – April 10, 2026

2026/04/10/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 1:17

The Lord Provides a Savior

It seemed like the end. Jonah had run from the Lord. He boarded a ship going in the opposite direction. When the storm came and the truth was revealed, he was thrown into the sea. The water closed over him. There was no escape. No strength left. No hope of saving himself.

But the Lord provided. God appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah. What looked like judgment became rescue. What seemed like certain death became the means of preserving his life. Jonah could not save himself, but the Lord saved him.

This account points us to someone greater than Jonah, that is, Jesus Christ.

Jesus would not spend portions of three days in a fish, but in the grave. He would sink into death itself, not because he ran from God, but because we have. He took our place. He carried our sin. He faced the punishment we deserved.

When Jesus died on the cross and was laid in the tomb, it seemed like hope was lost. But on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. What looked like defeat was victory. What looked like judgment became salvation.

This means your salvation does not depend on your ability to rescue yourself. Like Jonah, you cannot escape sin or overcome death by your own strength. But the Lord has provided.

He provided his Son. Jesus entered death and came out alive. His resurrection proves that sin is forgiven. His victory means death is defeated.

When you feel overwhelmed by guilt, remember that Jesus has already paid for it. When you feel helpless against death, remember that Jesus has already conquered it. When you feel lost, remember that the Lord has already provided your rescue.

Your salvation rests not in what you have done, but in what Jesus has done for you. The Lord provided a fish for Jonah. The Lord provided a Savior for you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for entering death to rescue me from sin and judgment. Strengthen my faith in your victory and help me trust in your saving love. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mary Saw the Lord – April 9, 2026

2026/04/09/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
John 20:18

Mary Saw the Lord

Grief had brought her to the tomb. Mary Magdalene stood outside weeping. The one who had changed her life was gone. Jesus Christ, who had freed her from darkness and given her hope, had been crucified. Now, even his body seemed to be missing. It felt like one more loss, one more sorrow, one more reason to despair.

Then Jesus spoke her name. “Mary.”

In that moment, everything changed. The one she thought was dead was alive. The one she thought was lost was standing right in front of her. Death had not won. The grave had not kept him. Jesus lived. Her sorrow turned to joy. Her despair turned to hope. And she went to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”

This is the heart of the Christian faith. Not a philosophy. Not wishful thinking. A living Savior.

Mary was not sharing a rumor. She was announcing a reality. Jesus had risen from the dead, just as he promised. His sacrifice for sin had been accepted. His victory over death was complete.

This means everything for you. It means your sins are forgiven. Jesus did not remain in the grave because his work was finished. The payment was complete. God accepted his sacrifice in full.

It means death is not the end. Because Jesus lives, those who trust in him will live also. The grave is no longer a place of defeat, but a doorway to eternal life.

It means Jesus knows you personally. Just as he called Mary by name, he knows you. He sees your struggles, fears, and sorrows. And he comes to you through his Word with comfort and peace.

Mary’s message is still the message the world needs to hear: “I have seen the Lord.”

In the words of the Bible, you see him too. You see his love, his victory, and his promises. And because he lives, you have forgiveness, hope, and life, now and forever.

Prayer:

Risen Lord, thank you for revealing yourself as the living Savior. Strengthen my faith through your Word and remind me that you know me and love me. Help me live each day in the joy and confidence of your resurrection. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

I Saw It With My Own Eyes! – April 8, 2026

2026/04/08/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

I Saw It With My Own Eyes!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“I saw it with my own eyes!” Have you ever said that to convince someone that you were telling the truth? It’s frustrating when people don’t believe us. Sometimes the best way to show someone the truth is to say, “I saw it with my own eyes! I know it’s true!”

Did you know some people don’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead? They think that after Jesus died on the cross, he just stayed dead. They think it’s impossible for someone to come back to life.

But God made sure we could be certain that Jesus really rose. Paul wrote in the Bible, “I saw it with my own eyes!” We can be sure Jesus rose from the dead because he appeared to many people to prove he was alive.

First, Jesus appeared to Cephas—that’s another name for Peter. Then he appeared to his twelve disciples. Then he appeared to more than 500 people at the same time—wow! Then Jesus appeared to his brother James. And last of all, he appeared to Paul himself. Paul said, “I saw it with my own eyes!”

Jesus wants you to be certain he is alive. It might sound impossible for someone to rise from the dead—but Jesus isn’t just anyone. Jesus is true God and true Man at the same time. With God’s power, Jesus can do anything—even rise from the dead!

Jesus also wants you to know why his resurrection is so important. When he rose from the dead:

He showed that all your sins are forgiven.
He showed that there is life after death for everyone who believes in him. You will rise too and live with Jesus in heaven!
He proved that God always keeps his promises.

So don’t listen to people who say Jesus didn’t rise. He did! Paul says it best: “I saw it with my own eyes!”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, it’s amazing to think you have the power to raise yourself from the dead. Help us never to doubt your resurrection, and one day raise our bodies too so that we can live with you in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What amazing thing did Jesus do on Easter morning?
Why is it hard for some people to believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Who were some of the people Jesus appeared to after he rose from the dead?
Why do you think Jesus appeared to so many people after he rose?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important to our faith as Christians?
Many people like Peter and Paul were later killed for their faith in Jesus. How does that help prove they really did see Jesus alive?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus Serves a Meal – April 8, 2026

2026/04/08/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
John 21:13-14

Jesus Serves a Meal

It was a simple meal.

Jesus’ disciples had spent the night fishing and caught nothing. They were tired. Perhaps they were still uncertain about the future. They had seen the risen Jesus Christ, but what now? What would become of them? Had their failures disqualified them? Had Peter’s denial changed everything?

Then Jesus met them on the shore. He didn’t come with demands. He didn’t come with a list of corrections. He came with food. He took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. The risen Lord of life served his disciples.

What a beautiful reminder of who Jesus is.

This is the same Savior who had washed their feet. The same Savior who had given his life on the cross. The same Savior who rose from the dead in victory. And now, he still came to serve. His resurrection had not changed his heart. He was still their gracious, giving Savior.

This is comforting, because we are not so different from those disciples. We also grow tired. We also face uncertainty. We also carry the burden of our sins and failures. We wonder if we have done too much wrong, failed too often, or wandered too far.

Yet Jesus still comes to his people. He comes through his Word with his promises. He serves a meal, the Lord’s Supper, for the forgiveness of our sins. He comes with promises that calm our fears. He comes with his grace, not because we deserve it, but because he loves us.

The disciples did not need to earn that meal. Jesus freely gave it. In the same way, you do not earn his love. He freely gives it.

Your risen Savior lives. He knows your needs. He knows your weaknesses. And he still serves you with his grace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for serving me with your grace and forgiveness. When I am uncertain, remind me that you are alive and caring for me. Strengthen my faith and help me trust your constant love. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Lent Devotion – From the Cross to the Grave – Week 7

2026/04/07/in Devotions, Womens Lenten Devotions, Womens Seasonal Devotions

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago.
1 Peter 3:18-20a

Four Little Words

Four little words. We recite them often in the Apostles’ Creed: He descended into hell. But these four little words are tucked between some much more well-known aspects of Holy Week and Easter—crucified, died, and was buried; rose again from the dead. They’re easy to skip over, and they’re also potentially confusing on their own. Why exactly did Jesus descend into hell?

Four little words. Today’s reading from 1 Peter is the only explicit biblical reference to the descent into hell, and Peter clearly gives us the reason: Jesus went and made proclamation. He spoke to the very definition of a captive audience, to the imprisoned spirits suffering hell’s eternal torment. And although Peter tells us that Jesus went and made proclamation, he doesn’t detail the content of that message. We can infer that Jesus proclaimed everything that had occurred over the past three days—but can we be sure?

Four little words. On Good Friday, after living a life of perfect obedience, Jesus offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. And on Easter Sunday, God the Father signaled his acceptance of this perfect sacrifice by raising Jesus from the dead. What a glorious sequence of events! The apostle Paul doesn’t teach Jesus’ descent into hell with the same clarity as Peter. But when Paul tells us in Colossians 2:15 that Jesus triumphed over them (the powers and authorities he disarmed), we naturally think of 1 Peter 3:19. Jesus’ descent into hell was like the parade of a conquering general over those he had vanquished, complete with a proclamation of victory over sin and death.

Four little words. The message that the devil dreaded to hear from Jesus is now our message as well: Satan, you are defeated. Jesus’ perfect life is credited to us, and his victory is ours. We no longer need to worry about whether our faith is strong enough or be concerned about giving Satan a foothold in our lives. We are redeemed, blood-bought, adopted children of the heavenly Father, and Satan has no power over us.

Four little words. Although we cherish our status as children of God, we are still living as sinner-saints in this present evil age. When life gets hard, when Satan seems to come at us from every direction, when God seems so far away, we can cling to this promise: Heaven is our home. The difficulties we are experiencing now are no match for heaven’s perfect peace. The sorrow that is so often present on this earth is no match for heaven’s perfect joy. And the fractured relationships that cause us so much strife are no match for heaven’s perfect unity.

Four little words. Jesus’ descent into hell isn’t just a phrase in the Apostles’ Creed or an obscure teaching from 1 Peter 3. It’s an act of triumph, one that brings us comfort even in the darkest times. Jesus’ victory over Satan is complete, and we will fully revel in that victory one day in heaven. In the meantime, we have work to do. We are called to go and tell others this amazing story.

Prayer: Risen and ascended Lord, we marvel at the depths of your love for us that we see on full display during the Lenten season. Thank you for living perfectly as we could not, for offering yourself as the perfect sacrifice, and for clearly proclaiming your victory over sin and death and Satan. Lead us to share this marvelous news with those around us. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer

Peace Be With You – April 7, 2026

2026/04/07/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you”
Luke 24:36

Peace Be With You

The doors were locked. The disciples had every reason to be afraid. Jesus Christ, their teacher and friend, had been crucified. Reports of his resurrection were circulating, but it all seemed too good to be true. And if the authorities had executed Jesus, what might they do to his followers?

Fear filled the room. Fear of the future. Fear of suffering. Fear of death. Into that fear, Jesus came and stood among them.

He didn’t knock. He didn’t wait for permission. He simply appeared. And the first words he spoke were not words of correction or disappointment. He didn’t say, “Why did you doubt?” or “Why did you run away?”

He said, “Peace be with you.” This was more than a greeting. It was a declaration.

Just days earlier, these disciples had failed him. They had argued about who was greatest. They had fled when he was arrested. Peter had denied even knowing him. Their fear and weakness were fresh failures.

Yet Jesus came with peace. This is the peace he won for them. His death on the cross had paid for every sin. His resurrection proved that forgiveness was complete. This is also the peace he brings to you.

You know your failures. You know the times fear overcame faith, when worry replaced trust, when sin spoke louder than God’s promises. Your conscience reminds you of what you’ve done wrong. And yet Jesus still arrives.

Through his Word, he stands among his people and says, “Peace be with you.” Your sins are forgiven. Your guilt is removed. Your relationship with God is restored. This peace does not depend on your strength. It depends on his finished work. Jesus lives. The cross counts. Forgiveness is real.

Whatever fears trouble your heart today, your risen Savior stands with you. He is not distant. He is not absent. He is alive. And he still speaks the words you need most. “Peace be with you.”

Prayer:

Risen Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing your peace to fearful hearts. Remind me that my sins are forgiven and that you are always with me. Strengthen my faith and calm my fears with your promises. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Saved by a Fish? – April 6, 2026

2026/04/06/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:2-9

Saved by a Fish?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God uses surprising things to save us. Have you noticed that? When a shepherd boy named David had to fight against a giant named Goliath, God used a stone and a sling to give David the victory. Not a sword. A stone and a sling! God uses surprising things to save us.

Like a big fish. The prophet Jonah wasn’t facing a giant. He was facing a huge storm on a big sea. Jonah had been thrown from his ship and was sinking down, down, down into the waves. He was sure he was going to die, until God saved him. With what? A big fish! That fish swallowed Jonah, but he didn’t die. Jonah lived inside that big fish’s belly for three days and three nights. Jonah was saved by a fish! All of that led Jonah to say, “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9).

Here’s the most surprising part: Do you know why Jonah was sailing across the sea in the first place? He was running away from God. Is that a good idea? No! God had told Jonah to do something he didn’t want to do. Instead of listening to God, Jonah ran away from God. That’s how Jonah got in trouble. He had sinned against God. He didn’t deserve to be saved.

But God still sent that big fish to rescue Jonah. Why? Because God still loved him, even though he didn’t deserve it. God forgave Jonah, even though he didn’t deserve it. God used those three days and three nights in the belly of a fish to save Jonah’s life.

Just like God used three days and three nights in something else to save you. Someone else spent three days and three nights in a dark place. Do you know who? Jesus did! After he died on the cross for our sins, Jesus was in the dark tomb for three days and three nights. Just like God used that big fish to save Jonah, God used Jesus’ death and resurrection to save us.

God uses surprising things to save us, doesn’t he? Like a fish. Like a tomb. Thank you, Jesus!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, just like Jonah spent three days in a fish, you spent three days in the tomb to save us. Help us to never run away from you, but when we do, please save us by your grace. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What surprising creature did God use to save Jonah’s life?
How long did Jonah spend inside that creature?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why was Jonah running away from God?
Give an example of how you have tried to run away from God in your life too.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Look up Matthew 12:40. How did Jesus compare himself with Jonah?
In addition to Jonah’s fish and Jesus’ tomb, describe another surprising thing that God has used to save his people.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

It’s Personal – Week of April 6, 2026

2026/04/06/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

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He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him”. Jesus said to her “Mary”. She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means teacher).

John 20:15-16

It’s Personal

On that first Easter morning, Mary was deeply troubled. The death of Jesus was personal to her. She had lost a trusted friend. Jesus had known her deepest fears, her darkest secrets, and the evil in her heart. And yet, he had been merciful and comforting. Jesus had loved her and forgiven her. But now Jesus was gone. For Mary, the death of Jesus was personal.

And so, when Mary went to Jesus’ grave, she was crying, perhaps blinded by her own tears and sorrow. Maybe that was why she didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Or perhaps Jesus didn’t reveal himself to her right away. But when he said that one word—her name—she saw him. She really saw him! Oh, the joy she felt! The Savior that loved her and forgave her had returned to her personally. He showed that he had conquered death. . . for her.

We, too, need a Savior that knows our deepest fears, darkest secrets, and the evil of our hearts. We cannot live even a single hour of our lives perfectly. We cannot get to heaven by our own goodness, because every part of us is tainted with sin. As we trudge through this dark world, there are times that we are blinded by our own sin and sorrow. And yet, like Mary, we have a merciful and comforting Savior who comes to us personally.

Jesus comes to us in his Word, the Bible. Every time we open that book or sit in the church pew, we are at Jesus’ feet, listening to him. He also invites Christians to personally receive his true body and true blood in Holy Communion. Jesus gives us personal invitations in Word and sacrament, and these are given to us only by grace, the undeserved love that he has for us.

Easter is personal. When we hear Jesus say, “Mary,” we can also think of him saying your name and mine. Jesus personally came down to this earth to live among us. He personally walked on this earth, healed the sick, and fed thousands with earthly bread and with the bread of his Word. And one day, he will personally take your hand and my hand to welcome us into heaven, where there are no tears. He lives!

Prayer:

Dearest Savior,
Thank you for coming down to earth to take away the guilt of my sin. When I see the sorrows of this world, remind me that you live and that you promise to walk with me through this life and take me to the next. Let me daily remember that because you live, I also will live. Amen.

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Just As He Said – April 6, 2026

2026/04/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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[Jesus] is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:6

Just As He Said

The tomb was not supposed to be empty.

On Friday, everything seemed so certain. Jesus Christ had died. His lifeless body was laid in the tomb. A heavy stone was rolled into place. Roman guards stood watch. Death had done its work, just as it always had.

Early Sunday morning, the women came expecting the same reality we all know too well. They came expecting death. They came bringing spices, ready to care for the body. They came grieving, hearts heavy with loss and disappointment.

But instead of death, they heard life. The angel announced, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Those words change everything.

Jesus had promised this. He told his disciples he would suffer, die, and rise again. At the time, they didn’t understand. It seemed impossible. Death doesn’t reverse itself. Graves don’t open. The dead don’t walk out alive. But Jesus is not like anyone else.

His resurrection proves that his promises are true. When he said he would pay for sin, he did. When he said he would defeat death, he did. When he said he would rise, he did. And that means his promises to you are also true.

When guilt weighs on your conscience, the empty tomb assures you that your sins are forgiven. Jesus’ resurrection is God’s declaration that the payment was complete. Nothing remains to be paid.

When grief fills your heart, the empty tomb assures you that death is not the end. Because Jesus lives, those who trust in him will live also.

When fear whispers that God has forgotten you, the empty tomb reminds you that Jesus keeps every word he speaks.

The stone was rolled away not so Jesus could get out, but so the world could see in. The tomb is empty. Death is defeated. Your Savior lives. And because he lives, you have peace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Just as he said.

Prayer:

Risen Savior, thank you for keeping your promise and rising from the dead. Strengthen my faith in your victory over sin and death. Help me live each day in the peace and confidence that you are alive and that your promises are true. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What Happens After Death? – April 5, 2026

2026/04/05/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: The risen Jesus takes us from death to life.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 EHV

What Happens After Death?

Stand in a cemetery for a while and you can feel the weight of silence. Rows of headstones stretch out in every direction, almost like they are all saying the same thing: “Death claims everyone.” That silence has a way of reminding us that life is fragile. It makes you think about questions people don’t always want to talk about: “What will happen to me? What happens to the people I love?”

Paul knew those questions. The Christians in Corinth had heard the gospel, but some of them still wrestled with doubts about the resurrection. “Could this really be true?” Paul takes them back to the simple, solid facts of Easter:

Christ died for our sins.
He was buried.
He was raised on the third day.

These weren’t rumors or made-up stories. Hundreds of people saw Jesus alive. They talked with him. They ate with him. This is more than a legend whispered through generations. This is the heartbeat of the Christian faith.

And it is personal. Death doesn’t own you anymore. The punishment for sin has already fallen on Jesus. His death counted as your death. His resurrection means your life.

When God brought you into the waters of Baptism, he united you with this victory. You were connected to Jesus’ death—and also to his resurrection. Already now you live a new life that death cannot cancel.

Think about what that means when you grieve. Tears at a grave are real, but they are not hopeless tears. The living Christ promises to raise those who have fallen asleep in him.

Think about what that means when fear about your own death creeps in. Your future isn’t a big question mark. It is life with Christ, secured by the one who has already walked through death and destroyed its power.

Jesus lives! That is the song of Easter. It is the song Christians live by every day. It is the difference between fear and hope, between despair and confidence, between death and life.

Prayer:

Risen Savior, you broke the power of death and gave me life in you. Fix my heart on your resurrection so that when I face grief or fear, I trust your promise: because you live, I also will live. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Praise the God of Our Salvation – April 5, 2026

2026/04/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say, “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.”
Isaiah 12:1-5

Praise the God of Our Salvation

What the prophet Isaiah is trying to explain in our Bible reading today is difficult to put into words. He is a sinner standing in the presence of a righteous God. He knows that he deserves God’s anger and punishment. But something startling happens. God turns away his anger. Instead of punishing him, God rescues him.

Of course, Isaiah is talking about what God does for us in Jesus Christ. Jesus bore the punishment for our sin, and now, instead of facing God’s anger, we have full forgiveness and life everlasting. How does one express the amazing relief of that enormous load being lifted off and the sheer joy of that forgiveness?

Expressing heartfelt thanks to God for his salvation is what Isaiah is doing. You can almost see him running up and down the streets, leaping for joy, trying to tell people how it feels to be saved. Fear is gone, only trust remains. The Lord is the true strength of his life and the song in his heart. So, he gives thanks to the Lord by singing his praises and proclaiming the good news of salvation to everyone.

Listen to Isaiah shouting and singing for joy and join him in praising the God of your salvation.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for saving me from my sins. It proves that I can trust in you and not be afraid. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hold On to Forever

2026/04/04/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
John 20:17

Hold On to Forever – Women’s Devotion

I’ve been to four funerals in the last six months. I suppose the older we get the more “normal” that becomes. But death is not normal. Sorrow, heartache, and grief are proof of that. God created us to live—forever. To worship him—forever. To fellowship with him—forever. And to fellowship with one another—forever.

Death is an unwelcome intrusion in the timeline of forever. Without the living hope of Jesus, confusion, isolation, and hopeless despair make it impossible to navigate the sting of death and rightly see forever on the other side. Without the certainty of heaven, grief fosters a deep longing to go back to the way things were before.

This understanding of death’s impact helps explain the exchange between Mary and Jesus the first Easter morning. John records it this way:

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’” (John 20:11-17).

In a moment of extreme emotions, Mary holds on to Jesus as if life could just go back to the way it was before his death. But Jesus lovingly stops her to redirect her focus on what is to come. Forever.

Jesus wanted Mary (and us) to know he didn’t conquer death so things could go back to the way they were before. No! He defeated death to guarantee we would live—forever! He conquered the grave so we could worship and fellowship with our heavenly Father—forever! He declared victory over darkness so we could see our loved ones in Jesus again—forever!

By letting Mary know he had to ascend to his Father, he was reminding her that this life isn’t all there is. What we know and experience here on earth isn’t worth holding on to. This fallen world cannot bear the weight of eternity. There is something so much better waiting!

He was also letting her know he would be with her in a new way. As Jesus sent Mary with words of comfort and promise to the grieving disciples that day, he also comes to us by the Holy Spirit with comfort and promises through his Word and our baptism, and in his true body and blood at the Lord’s Supper. When grief and loss bring hopelessness, despair, isolation, and a longing for what was, the One Mary could not hold onto in the garden holds onto us through his means of grace.

I get Mary. I probably would have held on too. I’d give almost anything for one more conversation, hug, or visit with those who have gone before me. Separation is not normal. It’s not what God intended when he created us.

But we have something better to hold onto than the past. Holy Week is proof of that. We have the sure and living hope found in Jesus, our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord. May his victory shape your grief, steady your hope, and fill your Easter with joy in the One who holds on to you—forever.

Written by Dawn Schulz

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A Hero’s Welcome – April 4, 2026

2026/04/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of [Jesus] and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:8-9

A Hero’s Welcome

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, a large crowd was waiting to welcome him. They spread their cloaks and branches on the road. They shouted joyful praise. They gave him a hero’s welcome. Yet, the question needs to be asked: Did they really understand why Jesus came?

It is a question worth asking ourselves. Do I see Jesus as a conquering hero? Do I see him as a long-desired king? Or do I see him as something more?

Yes, Jesus did come as a conquering hero. The victory he came to secure was not over an earthly enemy, however. His battle was against the devil, who sought complete dominion over us. His battle was against death and the grave, which desired to hold us in its gloomy darkness.

Jesus came as a hero to rescue us. He fought all the enemies that wanted to bring eternal destruction. And even though it meant giving up his own life, he secured the victory. Through Jesus’ precious work, we are free from the devil’s control and the fear of death. We are free from the power of the grave.

Jesus deserves a hero’s welcome for what he accomplished. He deserves even more for what he continues to do richly and daily. He also deserves honor, love, and praise as our Lord and King.

By faith, we acknowledge and live under his loving reign and honor and praise him for his victory. By faith, we can give him the hero’s welcome he deserves.

Prayer:

O blessed Jesus, I thank you for coming to rescue me. Fill me with love to trust you. Fill me with strength to follow you. Fill me with joy to praise you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Military Devotion – Because He Lives – April 3, 2026

2026/04/03/in Military Devotions

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Based on Matthew 28:1-10

Because He Lives

A gold star on purple backdrop, an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, topped by a helmet and draped with dog tags, a casket, an urn, a field of white marble headstones – all reminders of our mortality. These objects and symbols evoke a cloud of emotions: for some grief and sadness, for others loneliness, anger, resentment, and sometimes they are prompted to ask God, “Why?”

For friends and family of a man named Jesus from Nazareth, the objects that brought about these emotions were a wooden cross, the soldier’s hammer and nails, his spear. Is it possible that every time they witnessed a public execution on a cross those feelings of loss, horror, sadness and grief filled their hearts? Every time they saw a Roman soldier at his post or on patrol brought feelings of resentment and anger? As they walked the paths of Palestine to pluck figs or gather grapes and their hands were pricked by thorns from a shrub, they would see their own blood and shudder?

But something helped them manage and cope with those feelings, something helped to redirect their thoughts to the truth that gave these objects and symbols new meaning. Those “somethings” that helped were an empty tomb, the familiar voice of that man who had died but now lived and said to their attentive ears, “Do not be afraid.” The familiar hands and arms that had embraced them held them now on that first Easter evening. Yes, the body, once a lifeless corpse, was now alive and perfectly healthy and stood before them, spoke with them, ate with them.

My friends, Jesus died, was buried, and came back to life. Because he lives, you, too, shall live. Because he lives, those whom you love shall not remain dead forever but will one day climb out of their coffins and urns, they who died clinging to this one who absolutely destroyed the power of the grave. Because he lives, we can look at a gold star on a purple backdrop, we can see an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, we can walk through the fields of white marble headstones and be sad and grieve and ask the questions but with a new perspective. Because he lives, these, too, shall live. Because he lives, you, too, shall live never to die again.

Prayer:

Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory. Comfort all Gold Star spouses and their children, all who wear the black memorial band around their wrist, any who have stood before the fallen soldier battle cross, all who pass by the white marble rows – comfort them with the reality and power of Easter, because he lives, the dead who die in the Lord shall live, and we with them. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

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