To Believe John 20:19-29
The disciples of Jesus are frightened, fearful about what could happen if they were to move around outside. Doors tightly closed. I doubt if it was a “men only” situation. The women would have also been in the house. Some of them had been brave enough to go to the tomb. Had they not heard Mary speak about meeting Jesus? Wouldn’t the news have calmed their fears? But the doors were locked. Yet no tight enough. The presence of Jesus is there among them and offers them peace.
Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.
The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”
Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”
But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”
But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”
Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.””
Prayer
In a world shattered by constant news of wars, conflicts and crimes against humanity, fill us with your peace Jesus. Equip us with the strength to unlock the doors we use to protect ourselves from facing those thoughts and feelings which frighten us. May we know your peace. Amen
Janice Clark – Area Trustee Yorkshire North & East, Yorkshire West and Sheffield
Photo by Zaur Ibrahimov on Unsplash
