RETURNING TO? Devotionals – Following Jesus From the Edges

RETURNING TO ?

Following Jesus From the Edges.

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 7, 2026

This morning as I prayed and devoted my time to thinking about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus my thoughts returned to the scripture that I read at the Sunrise service from John 20:1-10. I remember clearly the conviction I felt as I read the 10^th verse “Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.” My thoughts through the last couple of days and especially this morning have lingered there.

I know the stories of the life of Jesus especially the big events like the birth narrative and certainly what we have just experienced through the remembrance of Holy Week leading to the facts of the Resurrection. I have read them over and over, preached on these words, hopefully helped guide people through these words, but this year there was a difference.

I tried to place myself not only in my personal time but in my preaching right there in the midst of every scene and event. I tried to feel the hurt, the fear, the confusion, and the hope of each step Jesus took for me and for you.

There is a gripping on my heart, mind, and soul this morning as I ask “If meeting Jesus, following Him, and trusting in Him and then suddenly Jesus is gone, placing myself at the tomb with Peter, John, and Mary – What would I do? What would you do? What would be your next action steps?  Would you like Peter and John return home to what you knew best. We will see this same in action not very far in the story from John’s gospel when these who called themselves faithful returned to what they knew best — fishing. (John 21:1-14)

But here is the good news – after the resurrection, even after the disciples had gone back to life to what they knew best, Jesus kept showing up. John’s account said at least three times: behind locked doors, to doubting Thomas, and at the lake.  Rest on these words “Jesus kept showing up”.

So here is where I am this morning. As hard as it is to reason, Jesus is still showing up. In our brokenness, trials, despair, questioning, desperation, hurt, pain, even in our moments of death from this world. Jesus is still showing up !!!!

But here is the greater question. How will you respond? How will you with your everything desire to love God with all your heart, mind, body, and soul? How will you follow? Who will you share Jesus with? Who will you be an example of the living Christ to?

Here is where we pause this morning and say, “I surrender all and will not return to the comforts of sinfulness but will follow you.”