Easter Sunday The Easter Question
Sunday April 16, 2017
Most of Jesus’ friends abandoned Him before He died on the cross. After His death they huddled together in a locked room wondering what to do next. In their grief and sorrow, they were sure that the troubles that awaited them outside the room were more than they could endure. They didn’t know how to go forward because Jesus was dead and they had no hope -- or so they thought. While they sat in that room, an incredible thing happened, Jesus appeared to them.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20)
Knowing what happened to Jesus, the disciples found it hard to believe that Jesus was alive in the flesh. Jesus gave them convincing proof that He was truly alive by eating a meal with them. He wasn’t just a ghost or a delusion, but a person they could feel and touch. He was alive! It’s no wonder joy and peace filled their hearts.
However, the first-time Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples one of them, called Thomas, wasn’t with them. When Thomas was told that they had seen the Lord, he doubted that it was true. Like Thomas, some of us have known the discouragement of hopes dashed and opportunities lost. In our broken-down fearful lives, we now doubt the presence of God with us to help us.
A week later, Jesus again came among them and Thomas was there. Jesus did not judge Thomas for having doubts but invited Him to “Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus also told Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 NIV) Will we, like Thomas, realize something incredible takes place when we ask Jesus to show us who He truly is? Are we willing to put all that we are into His living nail-scarred hands?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Forgive me for doubting who You are and what You have done for me. Help me to be like Thomas who stopped doubting and believed. Amen
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