“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’” John 20:19-23
Have you ever been stuck? I don’t mean stranded by the road or bogged down in a muddy ditch, but caught repeating behaviors over and over again that may not be helpful to you or whatever problem you are trying to solve. This happens to me all the time. When I am faced with a problem often I think that if I only work harder, spend more money or try to be more faithful I will be able to get myself out of whatever rut I am currently in.
I take hope in the actions of the disciples. Those that walked with Jesus and shared in his ministry while he was on earth were stuck as well. Even though the disciples learned first hand of the Resurrection the news didn’t jar them into action. Instead they locked themselves away from the community. They hid in fear and kept the message of forgiveness to themselves.
This short passage from John is one of my favorites. Jesus comes back to the disciples and speaks a word of peace. Jesus gives the disciples who failed him another chance and maybe more importantly a mission in life. The season of Easter is an important time because we see how ordinary people are freed by the power of the gospel to do amazing things.
I know that traditionally during lent we give up things to remind ourselves of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. In this season I would encourage you to ask God if there is anything holding you back in a locked room. This text reminds us that God is still engaged in our lives and calls us forward towards freedom in Christ.
Have you ever been stuck? I don’t mean stranded by the road or bogged down in a muddy ditch, but caught repeating behaviors over and over again that may not be helpful to you or whatever problem you are trying to solve. This happens to me all the time. When I am faced with a problem often I think that if I only work harder, spend more money or try to be more faithful I will be able to get myself out of whatever rut I am currently in.
I take hope in the actions of the disciples. Those that walked with Jesus and shared in his ministry while he was on earth were stuck as well. Even though the disciples learned first hand of the Resurrection the news didn’t jar them into action. Instead they locked themselves away from the community. They hid in fear and kept the message of forgiveness to themselves.
This short passage from John is one of my favorites. Jesus comes back to the disciples and speaks a word of peace. Jesus gives the disciples who failed him another chance and maybe more importantly a mission in life. The season of Easter is an important time because we see how ordinary people are freed by the power of the gospel to do amazing things.
I know that traditionally during lent we give up things to remind ourselves of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. In this season I would encourage you to ask God if there is anything holding you back in a locked room. This text reminds us that God is still engaged in our lives and calls us forward towards freedom in Christ.
