Journey to the Cross

Pause

This week, we share this Good News: Christ is Risen! Our long wait is over!

Stop and take a deep breath, breathing in the joy of Easter morning; breathe out the fear and doubt of the night that has passed.

God sees you today and loves you as you are.

Who needs to be seen by you today? Look up, so you can share the good news.

Listen

Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”

After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”

Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

John 20:24-28

Think

Thomas heard the rumors about what happened to Jesus and his missing body. This story was scandalous. Raised from the dead? You’ve seen him? “Too much,” says Thomas, “I won’t believe. I need to see it with my own eyes…”

Eight days pass – and where are the disciples? Locked up in a room again, presumably still hunkered down in defense mode, afraid. And what happens? Despite the locked door, Jesus shows up, and says the very same words: “Peace be with you.” While this was (and is) a common greeting, it also has profound meaning. It means a deep quiet in your souls – to not worry or stress or fear… In our fast-paced world today many people strive to find it – peace.

And so again, God shows up. And this time Jesus says, “No more disbelief. Believe!” Maybe that is a word for us today. No more disbelief, no more doubt – just believe. And then be about sharing that peace with others: true peace, healing peace, holy peace.

David Burroughs

Pray

Peace-Bringer, walk with me today calming my heart and mind. Help me to seek to follow you through my actions and attitude today. Help me to bring peace to those you put in my path – friends and family, teachers or co-workers, cafeteria workers or coffee baristas... Through Jesus our Lord, amen.

Go

Find your voice today and speak “Peace” to someone in distress.

Find your grip today and hug someone who needs to know they are loved.

Find your stride today and move toward a hurting world with the healing power of the one who made you, who redeemed you, and who has called you to serve.