40 Days of Living Proof: Jesus Came Amid Fear and Doubt

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20 ESV

The Christ-followers scattered and left Jesus alone when he was arrested (Matthew 26:31 ESV). After his death, they were fearful and confused, unsure of what or who to trust about all the recent events. However, that evening, the day of Jesus’ resurrection, some of the disciples hid in the familiar upper room behind locked doors. They feared the Jewish leaders might persecute them like they had Jesus and bring charges against them. 

Jesus appeared to them—suddenly and unexpectedly—yet his greeting was familiar and reassuring. “Peace be with you!” as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The phrase was commonly used like our “Hi!”, but this time the words communicated a fuller meaning and message. Death (separation from God) had been conquered. Peace of God attained. Victory and pardon from sin! As Jesus breathed his last, the curtain in the temple that separated holy God from sinful people was torn from top to bottom allowing direct access from God to man!

Jesus came to them, not to scold, shame, or punish them—even though they failed him when they repeatedly fell asleep instead of praying. Most were missing during his final hours as he suffered excruciating torture and death. They were the ones who were supposed to be his closest friends. 

Instead, he wanted to be with them! He showed them his nail-scarred hands and his side where he’d been pierced with a spear to verify his death… and they were glad to see him! 

Peace came that day to a few but soon spread to the nations.

Will you call on the Lord and embrace Peace amid fear and doubt?

Karen Sims