What is happening behind your closed doors?
John’s Gospel is telling us that the disciples were still mourning the death of Jesus inside a locked house, even though they previously heard about His resurrection. They were still in Jerusalem because the Feast of the Unleavened Bread was not over. They were locked inside because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. They feared the knock on the door. They did not know what was going to happen next. They did not have peace, until the resurrected Jesus suddenly stood among them and offered them His Peace. Bolted doors would prevent anyone from entering, unless one could walk through closed doors which Jesus did.
We are all currently “locked in” to slow down the spread of Covid-19. As we sit behind closed doors there are many who are alone, sad, afraid and even ill, thinking that no-one knows their suffering and pain. Our reading gives us the assurance and the hope that when we are anxious, full of doubt, scared, sad, ill – Jesus will also come to us wherever we are. He will come to us through closed doors and give us peace!
Amen
Tuesday 14 April 2020
John 20:19
“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!””
Risen Lord Jesus,
we adore you and praise your name.
Today you defeated death and rose again.
You died on the cross that we might be free.
Thank you, risen Lord, that you did this for us,
so that we might enjoy the freedom of eternal life.
Risen Lord Jesus,
we love you, we worship you, we adore you.
Amen
Listen to and read the words of the hymn: “Now may the peace of the Lord”.
Easter 2020 ● Volume 3, Issue 2 ● Balerno Parish Church