Day 40 | Jesus appears to the disciples

Reflection

It’s hardly surprising that the disciples were hiding in fear behind a locked door. The tales of Jesus rising from the dead sounded so unreal – crazy, even. And there were very real swords and shackles on the other side of the door if they were caught.

But now in that place of sorrow and fear, there is joy. Jesus really was alive! Showing them his scars, still visible, he declared ‘peace’ – shalom.

His appearance in that locked room is a reminder that there is nowhere off-limits to him; none of the places we spend our everyday lives are out of his reach, where he cannot enter and declare peace.

When the Bible talks of peace, it includes harmony, wholeness, and flourishing – the restored, whole life God promises comes through being right with him. And it’s this peace Jesus now declares to his disciples – a peace won for them through the cross. This new kind of life is possible because Jesus rose from the dead.

And with this renewed joy and life the resurrection gives renewed purpose – and power to fulfil that purpose.

Unsurprisingly, the disciples aren’t meant to stay hiding away. Jesus sends them back out into the world, empowered by his Spirit, to declare and live out his good news. The mission of Jesus extends through his disciples – including us today– to every part of the world.

There’s nowhere the risen Jesus, by his Spirit, can’t reach into with his love, joy, and peace. No office, shop floor, parent and toddler group, or classroom is out of bounds for Jesus. As his followers, we’re given purpose – to bring shalom, to honour God and serve others, to share his love in word and action, to be a blessing in all the places he has called us.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you raised Jesus from the dead. Thank you for the peace we have with you through him and that you are with me in my everyday places. Help me to be your witness and bring the gospel of peace to the places you have called me. Amen.

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