Stephan Hoffman

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. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’  John 20:19-21

Early in the morning the women and the disciples saw that the tomb was empty. Jesus appeared to Mary, but the disciples had not yet seen him. The disciples gathered together that evening. They were afraid of the Jews, and locked the doors. Jesus came and stood among them. He is not bound by space and time.

Jesus' words: "Peace be with you!" is the first time in history since the fall, completely true. True peace is cultivated between God and man. The broken relationship is restored through Jesus Christ. Every sinner can now go in faith to God and be completely forgiven.

 Jesus shows his hands and his side to the disciples, so that they can see that it is really Him that has risen. It is Jesus who was crucified and buried, and is now living that stands before them. Jesus sends his disciples into the world as the Father had sent him.

These frightened disciples would later through the work of the Spirit, with great courage and power, declare that Jesus is the risen Lord. They would go out into the world and share the good news with everybody that Jesus is alive, even if they are rejected, humiliated or killed for it.

Can you see that the living Lord Jesus Christ is also with you? He rose, conquering the boundaries of earth and death.  He came to make peace between you and God. He lives and you will also live with him for all eternity!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are with me. Thank you that you live and that I will live with you forever. Guide and strengthen me through the working of your Spirit, so that I will not be afraid, but boldly share the good news of your resurrection with everyone!  Amen