Hiding in a locked room, the overwhelmed and discouraged disciples grieved. Jesus their rabbi, whom they had followed for three years, was dead. It was the third day since his death. But now his body was missing. His tomb was empty! Surely those who had arranged for Jesus’ death would come after them next.
The disciples were lost in their sorrow and confusion
Jesus suddenly stood in their midst. “Peace be with you,” he said. How many times had they heard him speak peace in their presence? He had even ordered a storm on the sea to stop. And it did!
He sounds and looks like Jesus, but Jesus is dead. This must be a ghost!
“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence…
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:38-43)
The disciples’ eyes were opened in that moment. So many things that Jesus had told them during their time together had gone over their heads. Reading through the Gospels we see again and again that they didn’t get it. (Had we been the ones Jesus had chosen we’d probably have been just as slow as they were.)
But when they saw with their own eyes and examined the wounds of his body they understood: Jesus is the Son of God! All his words, though often difficult to understand, are true!
The prophecies about him have been fulfilled.
His peace is available to us, if we will receive it.
We can trust him with every promise he ever made.
Although we may not understand his ways, we can commit ourselves completely to him. He longs to lead us. And we will look back and marvel at the goodness and grace we have experienced as Jesus has been our Savior and our guide.
The door was locked. But that didn’t stop Jesus from entering into the room to minister to his friends’ agony and confusion. He showed himself to each one, meeting them where they were.*
Joy filled their hearts and energized them so that the disciples lived powerful, faithful lives. They preached, taught, healed, witnessed, and served others. They lived in the power and love of the one who had walked through a closed door to show them that he has risen indeed!
Do you have any closed doors in your life? Have you shut yourself off from Jesus? Perhaps there have been overwhelming situations that you have not known how to process. Maybe fear or anger or broken relationships have kept you closed off from the life Jesus desires for you.
Perhaps your door is bolted closed and you are not sure how to open it to Jesus. Fear not, you can call out to him. He knows how to enter locked rooms.
Your sister,
Ginger
*Here are just two example: Thomas (see John 20:24-29) and Peter (see John 21:13-23).
Thank you Ginger. Currently I have been asked to read Scripture at my dear and only brother’s Catholic Memorial Mass July 21. I am praying for Wisdom to agree to stand and proclaim the reading that day. As much as I would love to comply any of his dear wife’s request I hesitate to say Yes. At this time I would like to escape the microphone, the audience and any self centered thinking and truly grieve. At the same time it is a healing kindness to offer this opportunity to the Protestant in the family. Christ calls for Unity. Please pray for Wisdom for me in this challenge and opportunity. Thanks again. Also my friend you dropped the letter y in the word they. TheY preached, taught healed… In Christ’s love, Andy M.
Dear Andy, thank you for sharing your challenge/opportunity with me. First of all, I am sorry that your brother passed away. I will pray that the Lord gives you wisdom as you consider this invitation. May he help you know how to answer. And I pray for God’s peace and comfort to all of your family at this tender time. And may he use you in whatever way he desires to minister to his family and friends.
Your friend, Ginger
P.S.thanks for pointing out the type-o!
Ginger , this is just the word I needed today. It was very encouraging. It’s a great reminder that God can close doors and open them at the same time. Thank you for the hope that you share. May the Lord bless you. Thank you for ministering to us. Iris
Thank you, Iris. I’m glad the Lord used this to encourage you today. The Bible is filled with so much truth that gives us direction, encouragement, insight and blessing. What a gift it is to us!
Amen ginger