Daily Devotionals

Easter 2022: Thursday

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

“I’m here, and it’s okay.” These are the words parents and caregivers say to comfort their children. The words “I’m here” are some of the most comforting words to anyone, child or adult. When we are walking through hard times, one of the things we want the most is someone to walk with us and be there for us. Even one friend or loved one being there for us makes a huge difference. When we walk through hard times, God always promises His presence to walk with us through anything. 

“I am with you.” These are some of the last words Jesus told His people before He returned to Heaven in Matthew 28. He had previously been crucified, died, and rose from the grave. In Matthew 28, He was spending some last hours with his disciples. First, he gave them a command to go and make more disciples and spread His message of hope throughout the world. Next, He gave them words that I am certain they carried with them forever. “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (verse 20). Whatever they faced, good or bad, times of joy or times of sorrow, Jesus promised to be with them. That promise must have brought so much comfort, especially after Jesus returned to Heaven. Many of them faced a lot of hardship because of their faith in Jesus and were persecuted for their faith, and I am sure that His presence carried them through everything. 

My friend, Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28 is true for us today as well. God is always with us. We have the promise of His presence. God is with us through everything we face, even the hardest situations we have to walk through. We may not have all of the answers for why, but we have His presence, and His presence is our greatest comfort and peace. So wherever you go today, whatever you do, and whatever hard times come your way, God is with you. Because He is with you, you can face anything. Find comfort in His presence today.

Moving toward action

Go on a walk today, listening to your favorite worship song. As you walk and listen to the worship song, sing and pray. Remember that God is right there with you whatever you are walking through. He is walking with you and helping you through. This truth makes all the difference.

Going Deeper

Matthew 28:1-20 (NLT)

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”