19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20 Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Setting the Scene for John 20:19-25
In John chapter 20, we find the disciples gathered together in a room in Jerusalem. The scene is filled with tension and fear as the disciples are still reeling from the crucifixion of Jesus. They are locked in the room, afraid of the Jewish leaders who had just orchestrated the death of their beloved teacher. The atmosphere is heavy with grief and uncertainty as they try to make sense of the events that have transpired.
Among the disciples present are Thomas, who was not with them when Jesus appeared earlier, and the others who had heard from Mary Magdalene about seeing the risen Lord. Suddenly, Jesus appears in their midst, despite the locked doors, and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.” His presence brings a wave of relief and joy, but Thomas expresses doubt, wanting to see and touch the wounds of Jesus to believe in his resurrection.
The room is dimly lit, with the disciples huddled together in disbelief and amazement at the sight of their resurrected Lord. The encounter with Jesus in this room marks a pivotal moment in their faith journey, solidifying their belief in the resurrection and setting the stage for the spread of the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
What is John 20:19-25 about?
A powerful message about faith, doubt, and the power of belief is seen in this verse. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, expresses doubt in the resurrection until he physically sees and touches the scars on Jesus’ body. This doubt is a common experience for many people when faced with extraordinary events or teachings. However, Jesus uses this moment to teach us about the importance of faith without always needing physical proof.
Through this encounter, Jesus shows us that belief can be strengthened through personal experiences and evidence, but it can also transcend these limitations. He encourages Thomas to believe, even without physical proof, and challenges us to do the same in our own lives. This verse reminds us that faith is not always about tangible evidence, but also about trust, surrender, and openness to the divine presence in our lives.
So, as we navigate our own moments of doubt and uncertainty, let us remember the lesson from this verse. Let us trust in the power of faith to guide us through challenges and moments of disbelief, being open to the possibility of belief beyond what we can see or touch. Just as Thomas was able to move from doubt to belief, may we too find the strength to embrace faith in all its forms.
Understanding what John 20:19-25 really means
We explore a key narrative of fear, doubt, revelation, and faith that follows the resurrection of Jesus Christ in John 20:19-25. This passage provides not only a dramatic account of Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples post-resurrection but also introduces the poignant story of Thomas, often dubbed “Doubting Thomas.” Through this, the scripture invites readers to reflect on the nature of belief and the profound impact of Jesus’ presence.
Initially, we find the disciples hidden away “behind locked doors” for fear of persecution. This palpable fear reflects our own human tendencies to retreat and hide during times of uncertainty and threat. Jesus’ appearance among them, despite the locked doors, with a greeting of peace, “Peace be with you,” serves as a powerful reminder of His omnipresence and the peace that He brings even in the midst of chaos. How often do we, in our own turbulent times, forget that Christ can transcend any barrier to offer peace?
Following His greeting, Jesus shows His wounds to the disciples, a pivotal moment that confirms His identity and the reality of His resurrection. This act of revealing His scars is significant—it emphasizes that our salvation came at a cost and that Jesus’ suffering was real. It’s a vivid illustration that true belief often stems from encounters with the real, tangible presence of God in our lives. Think about your own moments of realization — haven’t they often come when confronting something deeply true and irrefutable?
Then we come to Thomas, the skeptic, who wasn’t present during this first visitation. Thomas’ skepticism is met, upon Jesus’ next visit, with compassion rather than rebuke. Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, an invitation to move beyond doubt into experiential belief. This moment underscores an understanding relevant for today’s readers: faith often follows an honest confrontation with our doubts and fears. Jesus does not chastise Thomas for his doubt; rather, He meets it with an opportunity for deepened faith.
This scripture is rich with application for us today. Just as Jesus encouraged His disciples to step out from behind locked doors, He calls us to step out from behind the barriers we erect—whether they be emotional, spiritual, or relational. The inclusivity of Jesus’ message, His peace over our fears, and His empathy towards our doubts—all serve to guide us in an often divisive and skeptical world.
Let’s consider an anecdote of a modern-day believer, Sarah, who struggled with doubt after a personal tragedy. Like Thomas, her faith was filled with questions and uncertainties, until she reached out to her community and, in this vulnerability, found a renewed sense of peace and belief through their support and shared experiences. Her story mirrors the gospel narrative, illustrating how personal encounters and community can transform doubt into a deeper, more resilient faith. We, as readers and followers in faith, continually invite ourselves to encounter Jesus in our own ‘locked rooms,’ turning our doubts into defining moments of belief. How will you respond to His knock on your door today?
How can we experience peace and receive forgiveness?
We can experience peace and receive forgiveness by encountering the presence of Jesus. Just like the disciples who were locked in a room in fear, we can also find peace when we encounter the risen Christ. He offers us peace that transcends understanding and calms our fears in His presence. Through Him, we can receive forgiveness for our sins, as He showed the disciples His scars as a reminder of the price He paid for our redemption.
When we acknowledge our need for forgiveness and encounter the mercy and love of Jesus, we can experience true peace and receive the forgiveness that brings healing to our souls. The disciples were able to receive this forgiveness and peace when Jesus appeared to them, and we too can experience the same when we turn to Him with sincerity and contrition. It is through His sacrifice and resurrection that we can find the ultimate source of peace and forgiveness for our lives.
Application
Imagine navigating the bustling highway of life, where every interaction is a crossroad, offering a choice to promote harmony or escalate conflicts. Just as Jesus revealed His wounds to His disciples, turning scars into symbols of triumph over despair, you too have the power to transform challenges into opportunities for peace. Embrace the role of a peacemaker in the high-stress workplaces, the daily grind of chores, and the precious moments around the family dinner table. Break the chains of doubt, just like breaking free from traffic snarls, and drive forward with faith, extending forgiveness like an olive branch in stormy weather. Isn’t it time you took up the mantle of love and forgiveness, paving the way for a calmer, more compassionate world? Will you step up as a beacon of peace in the chaos of everyday life?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.