Witnessing Peace
19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
(John 20:19-21)
After Mary Magdalene's report of the empty tomb was verified by Peter and John, the men returned to their seclusion but Mary remained at the tomb in anguish. Jesus, then, appeared to her and said:
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (John 20:17)
Mary did as Jesus instructed, but the other disciples remained locked up together in fear and grief, until that evening when Jesus appeared to them as well. Although the doors were locked, Jesus was suddenly with them, speaking peace over them, and showing his wounds as proof of his identity. Since Thomas was not with the others during this miraculous event, when the disciples told him about it, Thomas declared that he needed to see the same evidence they had seen... and Jesus obliged.
When we are locked away in fear, anxiety, or grief Jesus makes his presence known and speaks peace. When our doubts overwhelm our faith and trust, we are reminded of the scars Jesus bore into eternity as evidence of his love - the evidence of God's undying mercy and grace. As we share our testimonies of Jesus' peace-giving presence in our lives, may we be reminded that our witness does not replace anyone else's personal experience. Jesus is capable and willing to show up for each of us - no matter how locked away we are. Hallelujah!
21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
(Psalm 118:21-24)
