Ready or Not
“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
Easter began in the dark. The sun had not come up and the news was not known. I like to imagine the ripple effect of the word getting out and wonder what everyone’s responses were. Was anyone nearby just waking up and heard the stone roll away? Perhaps the sound of feet running past and anxious voices caught someone’s attention as they started their day? We know that the world was in the dark about this epic event. We know from John’s gospel that Mary Magdalene was sent to tell the disciples of her encounter with Jesus. I’m sure they wondered why he chose to appear to her and not to them. I’m confident they did not know what to do about it any of what they had seen or heard. When Jesus does appear among the disciples, they aren’t ready. The sun is going down, the door is locked in fear and they are wrapped in all kinds of darkness.
It’s hard to trust God when you feel you’re in the dark. These early faithful followers had a lot to process what with an empty tomb and Mary Magdalene’s news of having seen Jesus. I’m guessing they were desperately interested and yet deeply uncertain. Jesus had risen from the dead and this was the moment their faith could shine in fullness. They weren’t ready. In the midst of their fears and despite a locked door, Jesus shows up in the darkness greeting them with his peace. What a breath-taking moment! I wouldn’t be able to say anything. How about you? Are you ready to trust that Jesus can show up in the shadows of your life too? Jesus still operates in the same way. He shows up. There is no darkness that can keep Jesus out. Invite him to scatter away your doubts and fears and he will, with his life-giving presence and peace. Get ready!