After His resurrection, Jesus didn’t retreat to heaven immediately or simply leave behind proof of His triumph over death. Instead, He came close. He showed up in gardens, behind locked doors, on dusty roads, and by familiar seashores—meeting His followers where they were and transforming everything in the process. These weren’t random appearances. They were intentional, deeply personal encounters that shifted grief to joy, fear to faith, and confusion to boldness.
And the good news? He’s still doing it.
Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t just a historical event—it’s a present reality. He still draws near. He still seeks out the brokenhearted, the doubting, the weary, and the overlooked. He’s still in the business of turning ordinary moments into sacred ground. The question is: Are we looking for Him?
Scripture Focus:
“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’” — John 20:17
Encounter 1: Mary Magdalene – From Grief to Joy
(John 20:11–18)
Mary came to the tomb heartbroken, crushed under the weight of loss. She mistook Jesus for the gardener—until He spoke her name. That one word changed everything. In her pain, she didn’t recognize Him. But Jesus recognized her.
He still does.
When life leaves us in tears or confusion, Jesus doesn’t scold us—He calls us. He meets us in our heartbreak, our dark mornings, our hopeless tombs, and gently says our name. The challenge? To pause long enough to hear Him.
Practical Takeaway: When grief clouds your vision, listen for Jesus. Open His Word. Quiet your soul. He’s calling you by name.
Encounter 2: The Road to Emmaus – From Disappointment to Revelation
(Luke 24:13–35)
Two disciples were trudging down a road, confused and defeated. Jesus walked right alongside them—but they didn’t know it. It wasn’t until He broke bread that their eyes were opened.
How often do we walk discouraged, unaware that Jesus is in step with us? He’s not waiting on a mountaintop encounter—He’s walking beside us on everyday roads. He’s in our commute, our conversations, our questions.
Practical Takeaway: Don’t overlook the sacred in the ordinary. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to see where He’s walking with you right now.
Encounter 3: The Upper Room – From Fear to Peace
(John 20:19–23)
The disciples were paralyzed with fear, hiding behind locked doors. But locked doors don’t keep Jesus out. He came in and said, “Peace be with you.” He didn’t condemn them for their fear—He spoke peace into it.
Whatever is locked in your life—worry, shame, doubt—Jesus can walk right through and fill that space with peace. He doesn’t just show up; He breathes on you the power of His Spirit.
Practical Takeaway: Fear doesn’t disqualify you from experiencing Jesus—it positions you to receive His peace. Invite Him into the rooms you’ve closed off.
Encounter 4: Thomas – From Doubt to Declaration
(John 20:24–29)
Thomas wasn’t with the others when Jesus first appeared. When they told him, he doubted. But Jesus didn’t shame him. He returned, just for Thomas, and said, “Touch my wounds.” That encounter led to one of the most powerful declarations of faith: “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus is not threatened by your doubts. He meets us where we are and patiently reveals Himself. His wounds speak to ours, reminding us that our faith is not blind—it’s deeply personal.
Practical Takeaway: Bring your questions to Jesus. Don’t hide them. He can handle your honesty and meet you with truth and tenderness.
Encounter 5: Breakfast by the Sea – From Weariness to Refreshment
(John 21:1–14)
The disciples had gone back to fishing—back to what was familiar, maybe even what felt like failure. After catching nothing all night, a man on the shore told them to try again. When they obeyed, the nets overflowed.
It was Jesus.
And He already had breakfast cooking.
He didn’t lecture them. He fed them. He restored their strength before calling them forward. Jesus knows when we’re tired. He knows we sometimes revert to old patterns. But He stands ready with grace and provision.
Practical Takeaway: Let Jesus nourish you. Take time to rest in His presence. Don’t run on empty—He’s already on the shore, ready to restore.
Encounter 6: The Great Commission – From Insecurity to Purpose
(Matthew 28:16–20)
On a mountain, Jesus gave His disciples their mission: Go. Make disciples. Teach. Baptize. And then He added the most powerful promise: “I am with you always.”
He didn’t say they had to have it all figured out. He simply said, “I’m with you.”
That promise still holds. Whether you feel equipped or not, Jesus walks with you. He fills the gap between your calling and your capability.
Practical Takeaway: Stop waiting to feel “ready.” Step forward in faith. Jesus doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called.
Encountering Jesus Today
Though we don’t see Him physically, we can still experience powerful encounters with Jesus every day:
- In His Word: Scripture is alive and active. Don’t just read it—meet Him there. Expect Him to speak.
- Through Prayer: Even when it feels one-sided, prayer connects us to His heart. Be honest. Be still. Listen.
- In Community: Jesus shows up when believers gather. Don’t walk alone. Seek godly community.
- While Serving: Jesus is found in the faces of those we serve. He teaches us humility and purpose as we give.
A Word for You
Where do you need to encounter Jesus today? Is it in your grief, your fear, your doubts, your weariness, or your calling?
He is not distant.
He is walking roads with you. Standing in rooms you’ve locked. Calling your name in the darkness. Preparing meals of grace on the shore of your discouragement. Speaking peace into the chaos. And whispering, “I am with you always.”
Prayer:
Risen Savior, thank You for being the God who still shows up. Help me to recognize Your voice, Your presence, and Your movement in my life. When I am hurting, meet me with healing. When I’m doubting, meet me with truth. When I’m tired, meet me with rest. And when I’m scared, meet me with peace. Open my eyes to see You in the everyday and my heart to respond with faith and obedience. Thank You for never giving up on me. Amen.
Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement 
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