When Jesus was arrested, most of the disciples went into hiding. Some were present at his trial, and at least one at the crucifixion. Understandably, they feared being arrested and killed for being Jesus’ accomplices.
The disciples, but not Thomas, were locked in a room together when Jesus appeared. This was the first time they
had seen him since the crucifixion. He revealed himself to his disciples to dispel their unbelief and fears. When they saw Jesus’ hands and sides and saw that this was the same body that was crucified, their faith was restored.
Mary Magdalene and the other women had told the disciples that they had seen Jesus, but the stubborn disciples refused to listen and believe them and continued to hide. Only when seeing Jesus with their
own eyes did they accept the truth of his resurrection. Thomas behaved similarly and only believed that Jesus was alive once he saw and touched him.
I am sure that Jesus's appearance in this locked room must have been quite startling for his disciples. They were frightened when they saw him walking on water, and now he appears in a secured room, alive and as if nothing has happened. He politely greeted them, saying, “Peace be with
you.” This greeting was probably also to calm their fears.
What does this tell us about Jesus? When John and Peter visited the tomb, the stone had been rolled away, and they found his empty burial clothes. Jesus was not limited by the physical structures of the tomb or the locked room.
The message to us is that Jesus is not limited by anything; nothing will stand in his
way to reach us and others. We will have to face challenges in our lives but Jesus has overcome all, and his divine peace is what he has blessed us with.
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
