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An Easter devotion based on John 20:1-29
On that first Easter day, we are told in the Gospel of John, Peter and another disciple visited the empty tomb and returned home, “for they did not yet understand” (John 20:9). Mary Magdalene sticks around the garden by the tomb and encounters the risen Christ. She goes to the disciples and witnesses: “I have seen the Lord” (John 20:18 NRSV).
That evening, we find the disciples hiding, frozen with fear. They have locked themselves in and locked the world out. Jesus appears in the midst of them, offers a blessing of peace, shows them his wounds, reveals their new “sent” mission, and equips them with the Holy Spirit (vv. 19–23).
Thomas missed all this; he was not there. Why wasn’t he hiding with the rest of the disciples?
The other disciples witness to Thomas in the same way Mary witnessed to them, saying “We have seen the Lord” (v. 25). And, just like the other disciples, Thomas found that hard to believe.
And so, a week later, Jesus makes a special trip just for Thomas. Jesus finds them all in the same house. Were the doors still locked? Were the disciples still afraid? “Peace be with you,” Jesus says again (v. 26), inviting Thomas to touch his wounded body and believe.
Mary, Peter, Thomas and the other inner-circle disciples share an Easter epiphany. They believe when they encounter the risen Christ.
Many generations and countless witnesses later, we can feel a little smug when we hear Jesus say “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29).
We can also feel ashamed, hiding our fear and doubt. Wounded and wounding, we lock ourselves in and lock others out.
The good news is Jesus comes to us, as we are, where we are, and offers peace. May we be blessed to see the Lord and believe. Alleluia.
Sue Edison-Swift (4/7/2012, updated 4/18/2020)
