Behind Locked Doors: The Disciples’ Darkest Hour

The disciples are hiding out of fear.

They’re not merely worried — they’re terrified.

Just as Adam and Eve attempted to hide from God in the Garden of Eden, the disciples are now concealing themselves from both the Jews and possibly from God Himself.

Before Jesus was arrested, they vowed to remain loyal to Him no matter the circumstance, even if it meant death. Yet when the moment came, they fled and denied knowing Him.

Now, they realise that Jesus is dead, and His body has disappeared from the tomb. Mary informed them that she saw Him, but they simply couldn’t grasp it.

They’re frightened and bewildered…

In the Bible, the act of hiding can symbolise shame or fear. Adam and Eve concealed themselves from God because they felt ashamed after disobeying Him (Genesis 3:8-10).

Likewise, the disciples may have been hiding due to fear and shame for abandoning Jesus during His crucifixion.

It’s a natural human reaction to seek refuge in times of distress. Psalm 31:20 reassures us, “You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them.”

In their fear, Jesus appears to them. What does He say? Does he ask them why they abandoned Him? Does he scold them for their lack of faith?

No, He says, “Peace be with you.”

Just imagine the relief and joy they must have felt. They see Jesus alive again, and His words

of peace are like a balm for their terrified hearts.

He is essentially saying, “I forgive you. You are still my friends.”

In this context, peace means more than just a greeting. It’s a deep sense of reconciliation and restoration. In John 14:27, Jesus promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” This peace transcends fear and doubt, offering comfort and reassurance.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He repeats, “Peace be with you,” and then he does something incredible — he tells them he’s sending them out.

These frightened men, hiding in a locked room, are being sent on a mission. They don’t need to pass a test or prove themselves first.

Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

It’s a call to action: get up, take your mat, and walk, as Jesus said elsewhere.

Jesus commissions the disciples, much like He does with all believers.

This commission echoes the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. It is a call to spread the Gospel and share the message of salvation.

Then comes another astonishing moment: Jesus breathes on them. It may sound odd, but it is profoundly symbolic.

Recall how God brought Adam to life by breathing on him (Genesis 2:7)? In that same manner, Jesus breathes new life into the disciples, who are dead in their sins and denial. He instructs them to receive the Holy Spirit.

The word for spirit in both Greek and Hebrew also translates to breath or wind. Thus, Jesus is imparting to them the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, just as God did with Adam.

The act of breathing on the disciples signifies a new creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!”

Jesus’ breath symbolises the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, bringing new life and purpose to the disciples.

Jesus knows precisely what we need. He understood that the disciples needed to see and touch Him in order to believe, so He showed them His hands and side to prove He is real.

Thomas, who was not present the first time, desired to see and touch Jesus’ wounds to be certain.

When Jesus appears again, He offers Thomas that opportunity. Thomas does not even need to touch — seeing Jesus suffices for him to declare, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

These questions and doubts are relatable.

When we are grieving or afraid, our minds can play tricks on us. Was it merely wishful thinking? A hallucination? Yet Jesus knows our hearts and our needs. He gave us Holy

Communion as a tangible reminder that He is real.

Each week, we are able to touch, taste, and receive Him in the bread and wine. It is His way of saying, “I’m here, and I’m real.”

At the end of this story, Jesus speaks directly to us. If this were a movie, it would be the part where he looks right at the camera and says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

That’s you and me. Jesus steps out of the story and into our lives, offering peace and sending us out with the Holy Spirit.

We’re blessed because we believe in Him, even though we can't see Him.

This message reminds us that faith doesn’t always require physical proof. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Jesus acknowledges the challenge of believing without seeing, but He blesses those who do.

In conclusion, Jesus meets us where we are — in our fear, doubt, and inadequacy — and offers us peace and purpose.

He breathes new life into us through the Holy Spirit and sends us out to continue His work.

His story becomes our story, and our story becomes His.

As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember Jesus’ words: “Peace be with you.” We are blessed, sent, and empowered to share His love and grace with the world.

Heavenly Father, we come before You in our moments of fear and doubtSeeking your peace and guidance.Just as your disciples hid in fear and uncertainty, we, too, sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s challenges and uncertainties.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your boundless mercy and forgiveness.When we stumble and fall, you greet usnot with condemnation but with words of peace.We are humbled by your grace and assured that,despite our shortcomings, we are still your friends.

Breathe new life into us, Holy Spirit,just as Jesus breathed upon His disciples.Fill us with Your presence, renewing our hearts and minds.Grant us the courage to step out in faith,knowing that You are with us at every turn. Amen.