Author: Danny Panter

Re:Verse passage – Luke 24:45-53 (day six)

One of the most beautiful things about the gospel is that it never stands still—it always faces two directions.

Inwardly, it transforms who we are, not just as individuals, but as a community. Through the forgiveness won at the cross, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God. Our identity changes. Our lives begin to reflect new characteristics—grace, humility, joy, and love—that make God’s Kingdom visible in the world.

Outwardly, the gospel moves. It cannot help but travel—from person to person, community to community—blessing, proclaiming, inviting.

So let’s ask:

What direction is the gospel facing in your life today?

In our church family?

May it shape us deeply—and send us boldly.

Re:Verse passage – John 16:5-16 (day six)

Sorry for the late start, friends.

I’ve been in New York City for almost a week now. It’s an incredible place—teeming with life, a constant rhythm of movement, and the hustle and bustle of every nation under heaven. Right now, I’m sitting outside a bagel shop on the Upper West Side. People are on the move—coming and going, laughing with friends, couples sharing breakfast, cyclists weaving by, runners, dog walkers, shop owners opening up for the day.

New York City is a microcosm of humanity in a way San Antonio is not. And it is good. It gives me joy.

Joy, because for a few days I’m among a dense crowd of people who—by their very existence—reflect the glory of God. Just being human. The imago Dei. And yet, most are far from God.

This week, I’ve been reminded of God’s deep love for people. We know that love because He sent Jesus—who died and rose again—to call people back to Himself. To walk with Him.

In John 16:8, Jesus says that God loves people so much that He sends the Holy Spirit to help them see reality clearly:

To recognize sin, to see righteousness revealed in Christ, and to know that a choice must be made about which kingdom they’ll belong to.

And here’s the amazing part: the Holy Spirit works through His church. We are His presence here. His light in places like New York City.

Wherever we are—in the bustle, the quiet, or the in-between—He’s inviting people home. Through us.

Re:Verse passage – John 21:1-19 (day six)

Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. — John 21:13

What a moment. By now, it was clear that Jesus wasn’t spending every day with his disciples. His appearances were fewer—but every moment carried more weight.

This was the third time they had seen him since the resurrection, and the wonder had not worn off. How could it? He had walked out of the tomb. They could only stare at him in awe.

Things were starting to make sense—especially after the last encounter when he opened the Scriptures to them. But here, on the shoreline, came something unexpected. The risen Christ was making breakfast. And then he served them.

Even after conquering death, Jesus served his friends.

What a needed reminder: the greatest power in the cosmos is still found in humble love. The risen King didn’t demand to be served—he cooked and passed the bread. That’s the kind of power the world can trust. That’s the kind of Savior worth following.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 24:36:-43; John 20:26-29 (day six)

 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,^[f] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of all these things. Luke 24:47-48

Your faith is personal — but it was never meant to be private.

The beauty of this resurrection encounter is Jesus’ nearness in the midst of fear and doubt. He even invites the disciples to touch him, to move them from uncertainty to belief. As Megan wrote, “Jesus is both our friend and good shepherd.”

But then notice: right after Jesus comforts and reassures, he commissions.

“You are witnesses of these things.”

That’s the movement of the gospel — from personal encounter to public witness.

Faith in Jesus is meant to go public. It’s not just a private assurance; it’s a Kingdom identity. It reshapes who we are in the world.

We are the presence and the proclamation of God’s Kingdom — by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s reclaim that public identity. Let’s live it out loud.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 24:13-35 (day six)

I love that Jesus listens to their grief, disappointment, and confusion without interruption. Yes, he eventually speaks truth — he doesn’t avoid what needs to be said — but he first allows them to share their story fully.

In a culture of rushed words and reactive posts, Jesus’ interaction is deeply instructive. He takes time to be present and to truly listen. We’re often guilty of posting our opinions before hearing someone out, or crafting a response before the other person has even finished speaking.

Listening gives us insight into where someone is coming from — and maybe even what they actually need. It positions us to respond with compassion and wisdom, not just opinion. Listening can open the door to healing and change, rather than keeping us locked in our own perspectives.

Try it sometime. You just might be the presence of Jesus someone else needs.

Re:Verse passage – John 20:1-18 (day six) 

Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose Mary to be the first eyewitness of the Resurrection? Did she happen to be at the tomb at the right time, or was it part of Jesus’ plan all along?

Luke tells us about Mary’s story: Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). After her liberation, she became one of the women who followed Jesus faithfully. She was the first at the tomb, the first to see the risen Christ, and the first to carry the good news.

By all human standards, Mary would have seemed the least likely choice. Surely, one of the apostles would have made more sense.

But perhaps Jesus was being purposeful.

In a world quick to cancel those with a broken past or overlook those who don’t fit the cultural mold, Jesus does the opposite: He lifts them up. Perhaps he was declaring, “Behold, I am making all things new” over Mary’s life.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 24:1-12 (day six)

Then they remembered that he had said this. ⁹ So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened.¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. Luke 24:8-10

The women at the tomb didn’t have a complete theology of resurrection. They didn’t yet grasp the fullness of what had happened. But when the angels reminded them of Jesus’ words, something clicked. They remembered. They believed. And they ran to tell the others.

Resurrection life isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about following the risen Jesus—staying close, remembering his words, and stepping out to share what we’ve seen.

Sometimes, we wait to move until we feel certain or confident. But the first resurrection witnesses didn’t wait for perfect clarity—they responded in faith. That’s the invitation for us today: to trust that Jesus is alive, to hold on to what He’s said, and to carry the hope of the empty tomb into a world still marked by death.

He is risen!.

Re:Verse passage – Luke 19:28-44 (day six)

“After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples.” — Luke 19:28 (NLT)

Jesus knew what was waiting for him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, and the cross. Still, he didn’t hesitate. He walked ahead.

He led the way with purpose and courage. Not because it was easy, but because he saw what was on the other side. The writer of Hebrews says he endured the cross for the joy set before him. (Hebrews 12:2)

We usually do everything we can to avoid pain. But Jesus shows us another way. Sometimes joy is found not in escaping hard things—but in walking through them with faith.

Jesus once said, “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” He wasn’t calling us to misery. He was leading us to real, abundant life.

Maybe the path to true joy is the one we’ve been avoiding.