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John 20:
[18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—
and that he had said these things to her.
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.”]
Not too different from the time the angel stood with Mary and said, “don’t be afraid.”
CAN YOU IMAGINE? HE STOOD AMONG THEM.
[20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.*
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.”]
He knew He was leaving and also knew the power for them to share with others, would come from the Holy Spirit.
I find it fascinating that he BREATHED on them.
Reminding me of a song we sing in church that says, “It’s your breath in our lungs as we pour out our praise.”
The story continues.
[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.”]
I don’t really blame Thomas for questioning. Anyone who were there would have had the same reaction.
[26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them.
Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”]
Wow he did the same thing two times. Joining them in the room with the doors shut and locked.
Yet, he appeared and stood among them. Not only did he do that, but he addressed Thomas in the very matters of the heart way that only he would know how to do.
Our Lord and our God… knows what we need even if we never say it to him.
A wonderful love, and caring Father.