Jesus is risen! Mary sees him with her own eyes and returns to tell the disciples. They rejoice and everyone lives happily ever after. Except not. Despite Mary’s announcement, the disciples huddle behind locked doors in fear of the Jews. Will the authorities come to arrest them and crucify them too? Is Mary’s grief making her irrational? People don’t rise from the dead.

And then suddenly, Jesus is standing among them. Alive! They are more afraid than ever now. Will Jesus be angry because they left the scene of the crucifixion? Will he be disappointed they didn’t believe Mary’s words? Will he lecture them about their lack of faith?

No. Jesus’ very first words are, “Peace be with you.” And then to show that he still has faith in this terrified group he says it again and gives them work to do. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

What is making you afraid? Hear Jesus saying, “Peace be with you.” Then get ready to go and do.

By Tracy Hartman from D365