John 20: 19-31 v 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked: but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them.
The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders so were meeting behind locked doors. Suddenly Jesus was in the room with them. He said, “Peace be with you”. Thomas was not there the first time. Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked: but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. Then Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” These stories are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.”
Due to the fear of spreading disease to a point beyond which the hospitals could cope with those that needed help, we were ordered to stay in our homes. We know exactly how the disciples felt. Afraid to go outside, to meet with family or friends in a gathering of twelve. Behind locked doors they feared for their lives. In our homes we feared going out into spaces with other people for fear of a disease that might not kill us but could kill someone close to us. And suddenly I had time to read the bible. Jesus came into the space where I was. And He came saying “Peace be with you.” I had moments of amazing peace and developed a habit of reading, contemplating, and connecting with others via zoom meetings as a safe way to communicate, worship and pray. “Then He breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit.” And I was able to listen to his words of encouragement from the bible and through the Holy Spirit find and write about scripture. “Locked in my home, I was able to understand that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name.”
Heavenly Father, thank you for treating us as family. For showing us that even behind locked doors the power of your love can shine in our lives. Amen.
CrossWalk 