What was it like to see Jesus after he came back to life? Maybe the better question is, what would you have done if Jesus had just shown up in your room, knowing the doors were locked? The disciples were already being careful as they met together, so their anxiety level would have been high. Would they have felt shock, fear, amazement, relief, or confusion? Perhaps all of the above!
Jesus’ words couldn’t have been timelier. “Peace be with you.” Jesus didn’t say it just once, either. It had only been a short few days, but it must have seemed like a lifetime. The disciples’ grief and fear would have devoured them. Not to mention what Jesus must have endured between his death and this moment.
The mix of curiosity and joy would have helped wash the fear or confusion away. I’m sure the disciples thought Jesus would be back forever, forgetting what he had said about going away. I wonder how long Jesus’ visit lasted; the text doesn’t time-stamp it. No matter whether it was a minute or several hours, seeing Jesus again had to be a dream come true.
I’m pondering over verse 22. “Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” Jesus was giving them the Spirit in that moment. I remember Peter’s spirited speech on Pentecost, a festival just weeks away. The coming of the Holy Spirit for all people happened on that day. The disciples were given an early taste of God’s power. What a gift they had received. What a gift we have received.
Jesus knew his followers would need extra protection and wisdom. It must have been surreal to experience what Jesus had and to see how humanity had responded. Even his own followers he found huddling behind locked doors. I imagine the disciples had a lot of hard decisions to make since their leader was now gone. Jesus would want them to make God-honoring choices, consistent with His will, and the Holy Spirit would help them with that.
Were you surprised by Thomas’ response when he heard he had missed seeing Jesus? I think there is a little Thomas in each of us. Don’t we all have moments of doubt or moments when we just want to see something, a sign, a confirmation, or a word from God? Maybe something has shaken us, and we long to hear Jesus say, “Peace be with you.”
What did you think of verses 30 and 31? John says, “The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these 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.” That’s how he brings this Gospel to a close. Stay tuned for the Epilogue!
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, in this crazy world, I am grateful for your greeting bringing peace. I will rest on those words today as I struggle with the temptations and distractions of life. Thank you for sharing the Holy Spirit who gives me strength and wisdom for each new day. Guide my steps closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
