The disciples had been presented with the evidence of the empty tomb by Peter and John. Mary Magdalene had reported that she had seen two angels in Jesus’ tomb who challenged her as to why they she was so sad, and then Jesus himself had spoken to her and commissioned her to report to the disciples. “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead t my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Despite these reports, the disciples were still in turmoil and filled with apprehension. On this Resurrection Day, they met behind locked doors for fear of the Jews.

Over 2,000 years later many churches have locked doors. For them the outside world represents “enemy territory” against which churches must protect themselves. This attitude represents a pre-Ascension and pre-Pentecost mentality. It is excusable in the case of the disciples who were still coming to terms with the news they had just received, but not for churches today. Thankfully, while locked doors may keep the world outside they are no barrier for the Risen Lord. Suddenly, he comes and stands in their midst.

Hearing testimony second-hand is no substitute for personal encounter. They could have interpreted Jesus’ message that he was returning to his Father as signifying his absence. His heavenly homecoming was great for him, but what about them? Had they forgotten Jesus’ promise, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:8). But now, without delay, he fulfills that promise. The message of Easter is that the Risen Lord is the Ever-present Lord, and that changes everything.

Jesus’ first word is “Peace be with you!” His presence in our midst brings not only reassurance but also healing and wellbeing. He shows them his nail-pierced hands and wounded side in order to remove all doubt from their minds as to his identity. He is neither ghost nor angel.

They need to deal with their inner turmoil before they can undertake the mission that Jesus has been preparing them for during the previous months, and for which they are now commissioned. Their ministry is to be a continuous of his own, and the evidence of his crucifixion is a reminder of them of the cost they will need to face. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” They cannot embark upon that daunting task without the presence and power of Christ imparted through his Holy Spirit. The Persons of the Trinity always acts in concert and mutuality. As they themselves have received forgiveness for their denial and desertion, so now they can minister the Good News of reconciliation to others.

Did this one-time appearance of Jesus remove the obstacles to his mission being continued through his followers? Apparently not. When the disciples meet the following week, the doors are still locked! Thomas had been absent on the first occasion for some unexplained reason. Now he needs to be convinced that his fellow disciples have in fact seen the Lord. Once again we see the need for a personal encounter with the Risen Lord. It is only after Pentecost that those doors are not only unlocked but also thrown wide open. They are opened not only to invite the world in, but more importantly, to send the disciples out into the world.