Peace Behind Closed Doors

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.”  (John 20:19, CEB)

On the evening of Christ’s resurrection, the disciples were locked in a room — fearful, unsure when the authorities might come for them next. Not knowing if the authorities would come for them next. Jesus doesn’t come and knock on the door, asking for permission to enter; instead, he appeared among them, and then he does three things:

He shows them his wounds.

He speaks words of peace.

He breathes the Holy Spirit into them.

Today, we may be behind locked doors of our own — not made of wood and iron, but of fear, uncertainty, or exhaustion. 

We may be battling an illness. 

We may be waiting for a surgery to be scheduled. 

We may be facing financial issues. 

We may be struggling with anxiety and stress.

And even if life feels steady right now — a mountaintop moment — we all know what it is to carry quiet worries and unspoken questions. None of us are strangers to locked rooms.

But here is the good news. Jesus is in that locked room with you. Though we cannot see his physical wounds, we know he bore them for us. When we quiet ourselves, we can hear his words, “Peace be with you.” And in those places of fear, doubt, and uncertainty, Jesus breathes into us once again, giving us hope in the assurance of his promise that he will never leave or forsake us.

Gracious and Risen Christ, enter the locked rooms of our hearts today. Speak your peace into our fear, your hope into our uncertainty, your Spirit into our weary places. Breathe on us again, that we may rise with courage, walk in your assurance, and trust that you are with us always. Amen. 

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim

Duccio di Buoninsegna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons