Listen

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy.

John 20:19-20

Think

The doors were locked in fear. The Savior was dead – crucified and buried. Where is their hope? All were grieving and afraid, but the risen Christ is not hindered.

“Peace be with you.” Then Christ showed them his hands and his side, and the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

How often in our grief and fear do we put up barriers to the risen Lord? In our lives today there is much to fear: fear of failure, fear of standing up for what is right, fear of being rejected. Fear can cause us to hide behind locked doors and set up barriers between us and the risen Christ. Yet there is nowhere Christ cannot get to us; nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Kathryn Threadgill

Pray

Christ, help me to not be afraid. Break down the walls I build and remind me that nothing can separate me from your love. Help me to see the risen Christ and rejoice in you, my Lord. Amen.

Go

“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

John 20:21

Where is Christ sending you today? How are you called to share Christ’s peace with others?