Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

John 20:18-20

John 20:18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her.

John 20:19 When it was evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

John 20:20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Sunday evening visit

After hearing the good news that Jesus was alive again, the disciples gathered Sunday evening, and waited for him to show up. When he did, it was not to berate them for their failure to stand by him when he went through his trials and crucifixion. It was not to condemn them, but to calm them down. The purpose of his revelation was not sorrow, but joy. They “rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”

Whenever we meet as followers of Christ, may our anxiety give way to peace, our shame to joy.