Have you ever heard the phrase “you never know what happens behind closed doors?” Some say that “people behave differently behind closed doors” and that “democracies die behind closed doors.” While still others say that “what happens behind closed doors is not our concern.” During these times where many of us find ourselves behind closed doors as much 80-90% of the time-- working from home, falling prey to Winter's lack of sunlight, and of course COVID-19.
In John 20:19-22 we find eleven of the disciples “behind closed doors” in fear of the Jews. In fact, the doors weren’t just closed the doors were locked. Behind some of our closed doors we might also find ourselves fearful. Let us take a closer look at what Jesus does when he appears to those who are behind locked and closed doors.
1. Jesus stands among us. Jesus is not just at the church building, Jesus stands among us, even behind closed doors. It is good to know that in the midst of the fear we may be feeling, Jesus is standing among us. He is standing among you if you are single and behind locked and closed doors. He is standing among you, if you are married with 2 kids and 2 dogs and 1.5 garages. He is standing among you, if you are 3 years old. He is standing among you if you are a senior in high school or a Senior Assisted Living facility. Jesus stands among each and every one of us.
2. Jesus speaks to us. When Jesus speaks to the disciples He says “peace be still.” While in their fears Jesus speaks words of peace to the disciples. While in our own fears, Jesus will do the same for us. Jesus will speak words of peace if we are fearful about what’s going on in our educational, political and justice systems. Jesus will speak words of peace if we are fearful about our family members' health. Jesus will speak words of peace if we are fearful about our finances. If behind closed doors and we find ourselves fearful, Jesus finds a way to speak words of peace to us… we must LISTEN for them.
3. Jesus shows some things to us—After Jesus speaks words of peace, He shows the disciples His hands and feet. He shows His hands and feet so that they will see the scars from His crucifixion. He shows His hands and feet so that they will believe He is really who He says He is. During our time behind closed doors. Jesus wants to show us some things to let us know He really is the one who can calm our fears, can wipe away our tears, and can give us peace that surpasses all understanding.
Jesus wants to remind each of us who is behind closed and locked doors, that He is standing among us, speaking to us, and day by day showing us just who He is. He is our Mind Regulator if we find ourselves depressed or anxious. He is our Provider if we find ourselves having low resources. He is our Comforter if we find ourselves grieving. Whatever we need, Jesus is standing with us, speaking to us, and showing us some things to help us during our challenging times.
Comments