Sunday, April 12th, 2026

Meditation

Today we move from the empty tomb of Easter morning to behind locked doors on Easter night, joining the disciples as they hid in fear. The past few days for these men had been filled with fear, flight, and even denial. Behind these closed doors we find the disciples unsure of what to do next. Yes, they had heard of Jesus being alive, Peter and John had even seen the empty tomb for themselves, but they were still afraid.

And in this place of fear and uncertainty, Jesus shows up and brings the peace and certainty that comes with His presence. We read that Jesus stood among the disciples. He had Thomas touch His wounds to see that not only was He real, but that He still bore the marks of the crucifixion. And what does Jesus then do to these men filled with fear and uncertainty? He sends them out to bring this good news and hope to the world. On their own, they were unable or unwilling to do this, but they were not alone, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and hope of the resurrection.

As we live in the world today, it is easy to adopt a siege mentality. To hide behind closed doors, closed off from the world and filled with fear of what being associated with Jesus would do to us. In response to this, people and even churches try to shut themselves away to preserve, protect, and live in fear of the outside.

But as believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are not just given confidence in our faith, but we are sent out into the very world we can often fear. Because it is the world that needs to hear this good news which we ourselves hear and believe in faith. And just like the disciples, we are not alone, but equipped by God in every way to do this great work.

Prayer

Almighty God, in Your Word You reveal Jesus for us. In our baptisms, we have been given the Holy Spirit. Empower us to leave safe places in order to go to the new places already prepared in advance for us. Amen.