Overjoyed! – April 16, 2023

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

Overjoyed!

What failures we human beings are! We see it so clearly in Jesus’ disciples. Jesus had told them on several occasions that he was going to rise from the dead. Yet, two days after Jesus’ death, his disciples were confused, afraid, and locked in a room.

Jesus, the all-powerful Son of God who miraculously rose from the dead, suddenly appeared in the room with his disciples. He could have said to them, “Why didn’t you listen to me?” He could have said, “I’m going to find some new disciples, followers who will listen when I make a promise.” He could have said that.

But he didn’t! Instead, he said to them, “Peace be with you!” He showed them his hands and his side because there were the marks of the nails and the spear, signs of his love for them and the ultimate proof that their sins were forgiven. They were overjoyed.

Take that picture of Jesus and focus on it with your mind’s eye. The risen Lord Jesus stands in front of you with his hands out-stretched. You see the nail marks—proof that YOUR sins are forgiven too. And what does he say to you? He says exactly what he said to those disciples.

Peace be with you!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for your promise that, just as you rose from the dead, you will one day raise me from the dead. Let the peace of this promise fill my heart. Amen.