Looking Up, Moving Out

 

This is the manuscript for the sixth sermon in the "Witness" series of sermons that will take us to Pentecost Sunday.   

The word "witness" often carries heavy baggage. We think of courtrooms, legal depositions, or high-pressure sales pitches on street corners. But in the New Testament, a witness is simply someone who tells the truth about what they have seen and heard.

Being a witness isn't about having a polished script or a perfect life. It is about a continuous process of self-reflection and aligning our daily priorities with God’s will. It’s about moving from "knowing the facts" of the Resurrection to "living the reality" of the Resurrection

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NIV) Have you ever had a mountaintop experience—a retreat, a beautiful service, or a moment of clarity—where you just wanted time to stand still? You thought, 'If I could just stay right here, I’d be okay.' In Acts 1, the disciples are doing exactly that. They are staring into the sky, paralyzed by the wonder of what they’ve seen. But the Christian life was never meant to be lived in a trance. Jesus didn’t leave so we could look up in longing; He left so He could live through us in power. Today, we’re exploring the 'Divine Hand-off.' We’re learning why Jesus’ departure wasn't a loss, but a launch—and how the same power that fueled the early church is currently waiting to be released in your living room, your office, and your neighborhood.

Scripture: 

Acts 1:1-11 NIV [1] In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach [2] until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. [3] After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. [4] On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” [6] Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [9] After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [10] They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. [11] “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Text 

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Introduction

Today is the sixth installment of our Witness series. Over the last five weeks, we have journeyed through the radical transformation of the early believers, seeing how the resurrection changed everything they thought they knew about life, death, and hope.

Today, we reach a pivotal moment in the story—one that feels like a bittersweet ending but is actually the ultimate beginning. Our scripture today marks the "graduation day" of the disciples. I’ve titled today’s message "Looking Up, Moving Out," because we find the followers of Jesus at a crossroads: standing between the wonder of where He has been, and done, and the weight of the mission He is leaving behind.

If you feel like you’ve been waiting in the wings of your own faith, or if you’ve been staring at the horizon waiting for a sign to finally start moving, today’s word is for you. Let’s look at what happens when your gaze shifts from the clouds in the sky to the needs of the world.

I. The Hook: Graduation Day

Imagine a graduation ceremony. The caps are tossed, the diplomas are in hand, and the celebration is loud. But eventually, the stadium or auditorium lights go out. The graduates can’t stay; the whole point of the ceremony was to prepare them for the world outside the campus gates.

Acts 1 depicts the "graduation day" of the disciples. For three years, they had the ultimate Teacher. They watched Him heal, heard Him preach, and saw Him conquer the grave. But in the opening of Acts, Jesus does something startling: He leaves. 

His leaving  isn't an ending; it’s the beginning of the Church’s mission. The training is over. The work is just beginning.

II. The Message: Stop Staring at the Clouds

In the scripture today, we see the disciples standing on the Mount of Olives, necks craned, eyes fixed on the sky where Jesus just vanished into the clouds. But some angels appear with a message that is both a comfort and a correction”

Acts 1:10-11 NIV They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

The disciples stood frozen, staring up as Jesus ascended. We often do the same—mesmerized by the clouds, waiting for a cosmic nudge because we've turned worship into an excuse for inaction.  Looking up is for adoration; moving out is for activation. We worship in order to witness." 

III. The Hand-off: From One Body to Many

Jesus had already told them that He had to go for their good.  

John 16:7 NIV But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 

He is no longer just beside us.  Through the Holy Spirit, He is within us. We are now His hands, His feet, and His voice. While Jesus was on earth in the flesh, He was in one place at one time. By ascending and sending His Spirit, Jesus makes a divine "hand-off."

As long as Jesus was physically present in His earthly body, He was limited by time and space—He could be in Galilee or Jerusalem, but not both at the same time. By going away, He replaces a localized presence with an omnipresent power through the Holy Spirit, who can be with every believer, everywhere, all at once.

John 14:12 NIV Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 

The "greater things" aren't greater in quality than Jesus' miracles, but greater in extent—reaching the ends of the earth because the Spirit is not confined to one physical body.

Jesus didn't leave to abandon the earth, but to "fill" it. 

Ephesians 4:9-13 NIV [9] (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? [10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) [11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

By ascending, He is no longer restricted by a physical location, the Holy Spirit that is in every believer allows His presence to be active through every believer everywhere simultaneously.

Instead of one physical body, there are now millions of "members of the Body of Christ" acting on His behalf.

The ultimate goal is for the church to reach "the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." This means instead of being "tossed back and forth by the waves" of life or changing circumstances, a person, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ becomes grounded, stable, and complete in their faith and character. 

IV. Power, Not Might

We don't go out in our own strength or our own cleverness. We go out fueled by the very power of God.

In our text Jesus promises: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline

It is vital to understand what this power is—and what it isn't.

• It is not political dominance or social prestige.

• It is not the power to coerce or control others.

• It is the spiritual dunamis (that is the Greek word for dynamite).  It is the spiritual power to speak truth in love, the spiritual power to remain faithful under pressure, and the spiritual power to love our enemies.

. 

V. The Roadmap: The Expanding Circle

Our witness starts exactly where we are, but if it is a true witness, it can never stay there in that one place. The Gospel is a fire that naturally spreads outward.

Jesus leaves the disciples with a specific itinerary: 

Acts 1:8 NIV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Let’s make this personal;

1. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is: Your home. Your family, your coworkers, your friends.

2. Judea and Samaria are: The people who are "different" from you, who don’t look like you, even those you’ve been taught to dislike.8

3. Ends of the Earth is: Our witness should take on a global vision that refuses to be limited by borders, or race, or language, or wealth.

The Gospel is not something forced, it is a movement that catches and spreads rapidly once it is "kindled."  When the Word is truly in us, it becomes a fire that is impossible to contain. 

Witnessing isn't just a duty; it’s the inevitable outpouring of the fire burning inside.

Jeremiah 20:9 NLT But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a treefire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

VI. Call to Reflection

The transition from "looking up" to "moving out" is a continuous process. It requires us to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment and start being obedient in the present moment.

Are you currently "staring at the clouds"? Are you waiting for a perfect sign, a perfect set of circumstances, or a "more spiritual" feeling before you share your faith or serve your neighbor?

Jesus has already given the command and provided the power. The mission is right in front of you. It’s time to lower our eyes to the needs of the world and move out in His name.

Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Forgive us for the times we stand still when You have told us to go. Give us the courage to be Your witnesses in our homes, our communities, and beyond. Amen.

Fish, Bones, and the Bread of Life

This is the manuscript for the third sermon in the "Witness" series of sermons that will take us to Pentecost Sunday.   

The word "witness" often carries heavy baggage. We think of courtrooms, legal depositions, or high-pressure sales pitches on street corners. But in the New Testament, a witness is simply someone who tells the truth about what they have seen and heard.

Being a witness isn't about having a polished script or a perfect life. It is about a continuous process of self-reflection and aligning our daily priorities with God’s will. It’s about moving from "knowing the facts" of the Resurrection to "living the reality" of the Resurrection

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. (Luke 24:40-43 NIV) 

We often treat Easter Sunday, which was two weeks ago, like a grand finale—the climax of the story where the credits roll and we go back to our "normal" lives. But for the first disciples, the Resurrection wasn't the end; it was a disorienting, exhilarating, and terrifying beginning.

They found themselves in a strange "in-between" time. They knew the tomb was empty, but they didn't yet know how to live in a world where death had been defeated. They had the evidence, but they didn't yet have the empowerment.

Our goal is to move beyond "Easter as an event" and toward "Easter as a lifestyle." We aren't just here to study what happened more than 2,000 years ago; we are here to become the living proof that Jesus is alive today.

The King of Kings has just conquered death, shattered the gates of Hades, and stepped through a locked door—and the first thing He wants is a snack. But this isn't just about a post-resurrection craving. It is a profound theological statement about who He is and what our witness is supposed to look like.

Scripture 

Luke 24:36-49 NIV [36] While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” [37] They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [38] He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? [39] Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” [40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. [41] And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate it in their presence. [44] He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” [45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. [46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Introduction

We often treat Easter like a grand finale—the climax of the story where the credits roll and we go back to our "normal" lives. But for the first disciples, the Resurrection wasn't the end; it was a disorienting, exhilarating, and terrifying beginning.

They found themselves in a strange "in-between" time. They knew the tomb was empty, but they didn't yet know how to live in a world where death had been defeated. They had the evidence, but they didn't yet have the empowerment.

Last week we started on a seven week journey from Easter to Pentecost where we are going to follow the footsteps of the first believers. I call this seven week journey, this series of sermons “Witness”.  

In it we’re moving :

• From Fear to Peace: Seeing how Jesus enters our "locked rooms" which  we talked about last week.  The world tells us "Clean up the room, and then you'll feel better."

But Jesus says: "I am giving you My peace while the door is still locked and the room is still a mess." 

• We are going to move From Confusion to Clarity: Recognizing the Shepherd’s voice in a noisy world.

• From Isolation to Connection: Understanding that we are branches meant to abide in the Vine.

John 15:4-8 NIV 4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5]  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

We’re going From Waiting to Witnessing: Preparing our hearts for the fire of Pentecost.

Our goal is to move beyond "Easter as an event" and toward "Easter as a lifestyle." We aren't just here to study what happened more than 2,000 years ago; we are here to become the living proof that Jesus is alive today.

"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses..." — Acts 1:8

Text:

Luke 24:40-43 NIV[40] When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. [41] And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” [42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [43] and he took it and ate it in their presence.

Have you ever noticed how many of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances involve food? 

He’s on the beach grilling breakfast for the disciples. 

John 21:9-12 NIV [9] When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. [10] Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” [11] So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. [12] Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 

He’s breaking bread at a table in Emmaus. 

Luke 24:30-31 NIV[30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 

And here, in the Upper Room, in our scripture today, in the middle of a scene filled with terror, wonder, and confusion, Jesus makes a request that is amazingly almost normal: 

Look at Luke 24:41 NIV And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

It’s a bit of a disarming moment if you think about it." It captures how Jesus catches the disciples off guard. Instead of a grand, intimidating entrance, He uses the simple, everyday act of cooking or eating to break through their grief and confusion.

Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords  has just conquered death, shattered the gates of Hades, and stepped through a locked door—and the first thing He wants is a snack. But this isn't just about a post-resurrection craving for food. It is a profound theological statement about who He is and what our witness is supposed to look like.

1. The Theology of the Mundane: More Than a Ghost

The disciples were terrified because they thought they were seeing a ghost. We often do the same thing today—we "spiritualize" Jesus so much that He becomes a ghost in our lives. We treat Him like a distant abstraction or a Sunday-morning concept.

But Jesus is insistent: 

Luke 24:39 NIV Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

By asking for and eating that piece of broiled fish, Jesus anchors His divinity in the physical world.

If Jesus is resurrected in the flesh, then our physical lives matter to Him. Our witness is a "flesh and blood" reality.

1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV says But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

This means that Jesus is the prototype. What happened to Him on that first Easter morning is the "preview" of what is promised to everyone who stays connected to the Vine.

Because He is the "firstfruits," His physical resurrection validates our physical existence. Our bodies, our hunger, our exhaustion—they aren't distractions from our spiritual life; they are the context of it.

2. The Sacred Ordinary: Witness Beyond the Sanctuary

If Jesus’ most profound proof of life happened over a piece of fish, then our most profound witness probably won't happen behind a pulpit. It happens in the ordinary things of life.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV [15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 

We often reserve "witnessing" for special events, but the Gospel of Luke shows us that Jesus used the dinner table as an altar. When we invite others into our daily lives, we are showing them a Savior who is present in the "here and now," not just the "hereafter."

3. Bridging the Gap: Aligning the Physical and Spiritual

A strong foundation in faith requires us to stop compartmentalizing. We cannot have a "spiritual life" that is disconnected from our "daily life."

If your foundation is strong, your physical priorities will begin to align with God’s will. This includes how we treat our bodies, how we consume resources, and how we spend our time.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV [19] Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; [20] you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

It’s not a quick fix; it’s the daily work of asking: "Does my schedule reflect my Savior? Does my bank account reflect my King? Does my treatment of the clerk at the grocery store reflect the love of Christ?"

4. Opening the Mind: A Constant Guidance

Our text tells us 

Luke 24:45 NIV Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 

Being a witness isn't about having all the answers memorized; it’s about a continuous openness to God's guidance. The same God who opened the disciples' minds is ready to open yours today through His Word.

Psalms 119:105 NIV says [105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Faithfulness, which we talked about in Bible Study Wednesday as reliability, trustworthiness, and constancy  is staying in that Word daily, allowing it to recalibrate our hearts and correct us. It requires a spirit of self-reflection and a willingness to be redirected.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Call to Reflection: Who is at Your Table?

I want to challenge you with one question: Where can you invite Jesus to "eat" with you?

Don't look for a mountaintop experience; look at your "to-do" list. Look for the sacred in your most ordinary tasks.

• Can you find Christ when you are washing your clothes?

• Can you find Him at lunch or dinner?

• Can you find Him in the person you’ve been avoiding?

Jesus isn't a ghost haunting the hallways of your past. He is the living Lord who wants to share a meal with you in your present.

Go and be a witness—not of a ghost, but of a Living Savior.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask that You would recalibrate our hearts today. Forgive us for the times we’ve kept You locked in a 'Sunday morning box' while we handle the rest of the week on our own.

We ask for the courage to invite You into the mess of our 'locked rooms.' Help us to align our physical priorities—our time, our resources, and our bodies—with Your Will. Open our minds to understand Your Word, and give us the constancy to remain in the Vine. May we go out not just as people who know the story of Easter, but as people who live the reality of it. Amen."

Behind Locked Doors

This is the manuscript for the first sermon in the "Witness" series of sermons that will take us to Pentecost Sunday.   

The word "witness" often carries heavy baggage. We think of courtrooms, legal depositions, or high-pressure sales pitches on street corners. But in the New Testament, a witness is simply someone who tells the truth about what they have seen and heard.

Being a witness isn't about having a polished script or a perfect life. It is about a continuous process of self-reflection and aligning our daily priorities with God’s will. It’s about moving from "knowing the facts" of the Resurrection to "living the reality" of the Resurrection.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19 NIV)  We all know the sound of a deadbolt clicking into place. It’s the sound of security, of "my space," of keeping the world at arm's length. We lock our doors to keep out the things that go bump in the night, but we often carry a much more complex set of keys in our hearts. We have "locked rooms" in our lives. There is the room of past regret, where we replay our mistakes on a loop. There is the room of current anxiety, where the "what ifs" keep us pacing the floor. And then there is the room of doubt, where we wonder if God is really who He says He is. The problem is that while we lock these doors to keep the world out, we often accidentally lock ourselves in. We become prisoners of our own protection.

Scripture: 

John 20:19-31 NIV [19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [20] After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. [21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [24] Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though 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; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [28] Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” [30] Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. [31] But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

For the blessings of this and all our days, we thank you, gracious God. Accept, we pray, not just this money but also our lives freely offered in gratitude for all you have done for us. Use them both, in this place and wherever you might take us. Amen.

Text:

John 20:19 NIV On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 

Introduction: The Anatomy of a Lock

We all know the sound of a deadbolt clicking into place. It’s the sound of security, of "my space," of keeping the world at arm's length. We lock our doors to keep out the things that go bump in the night, but we often carry a much more complex set of keys in our hearts.

We have "locked rooms" in our lives. There is the room of past regret, where we replay our mistakes on a loop. There is the room of current anxiety, where the "what ifs" keep us pacing the floor. And then there is the room of doubt, where we wonder if God is really who He says He is.

The problem is that while we lock these doors to keep the world out, we often accidentally lock ourselves in. We become prisoners of our own protection.

The Uninvited Guest

In John 20:19, our text, we find the disciples in a literal locked room. It was evening on that first Easter Sunday. The doors were bolted "for fear of the Jews."They weren't just mourning; they were terrified. They had seen what the world does to witnesses of the Truth, and they assumed they were next on the list. Afterall, Jesus had just been executed by the Roman and Jewish authorities. Naturally, as His followers, they believed they might be next on the list for arrest or persecution.

Although Mary Magdalene had already reported that she had seen the Lord, the disciples were still in a state of shock, grief, and confusion. 

John 20:18 NIV Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Luke 24:10-12 NIV [10] It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. [11] But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. [12] Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

They weren't yet sure what the empty tomb truly meant for their own safety.

But notice something profound about this moment: the locked door was no obstacle for the Risen Christ. Jesus doesn't knock and wait for them to tidy up the room. He doesn't wait for them to "get their act together" or find their courage. He simply appears. He steps right through the barriers they built for their own safety.

"Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'" (John 20:19b)

We cannot out-hide or out-lock God. Even when we have shut ourselves in with our own mistakes, Jesus is already present in the chaos, patiently waiting for us to turn our gaze toward Him.

Peace as a Foundation

Before Jesus gives His disciples a mission, before He gives them a "to-do" list, He offers them a gift: 

"Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.'" (John 20:19b)

In the Hebrew context, this is Shalom. It’s not just the absence of noise; it’s the presence of wholeness. It is a reminder that maintaining a strong foundation in faith begins not with our effort, but with accepting the peace He provides in our most fearful moments.

Our world tells us that peace is something we achieve once our problems are solved. Jesus shows us that peace is the foundation that allows us to face the problems in the first place. As He promised in

John 14:27 NIV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

If you feel you are behind a door of your own making, the world tells you that you can only have peace once you fix the mess and open the door. The world says: "Clean up the room, and then you'll feel better."

But Jesus says: "I am giving you My peace while the door is still locked and the room is still a mess." His peace isn't a reward for getting your life together; it’s the power that allows you to stand up and face the mess in the first place. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples that evening, He did something unexpected. He shows them His hands and His side. Why? Why would a resurrected, glorified body still carry the marks of the nails and the spear?

Why, because Jesus witnesses through His scars. A true witness doesn't pretend to be perfect. If Jesus had appeared with flawless skin, the disciples might have thought He was a ghost or a hallucination. The scars proved the reality of His sacrifice and the magnitude of His victory.

We often try to hide our "scars"—our past failures, our mental health struggles, our moments of weakness. But our greatest testimony isn't our strength; it’s how God has met us in our pain. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in

II Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. [8] Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. [9] And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Your scars aren't something to be ashamed of; they are the evidence that you have been healed by the Master’s hand.

The Sending: Forgiven, Not Fearless

Finally, Jesus gives the commission:

John 20:21-23 NIV [21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus returns the disciples to the very world they fled, but He doesn't wait for them to find their courage first. Our mission doesn't begin when we finally become brave; it begins because we are forgiven.

By breathing His Spirit into them—a kind of "divine oxygen"—He transforms their mess into a message and equips them to align their lives with the Father’s will. We are sent into our workplaces, our families, and our neighborhoods not because we have all the answers, but because we have been met in our own "locked rooms" by a Peace that transcends understanding.

We go out, not as experts in life, but as witnesses to His grace. The doors of our lives are no longer bolted from the inside by fear or shame; they have been thrown open by the simple, powerful reality of His presence.

What doors have you locked lately? What doors will you let Him step through this week? Ask God to step into those rooms and replace your "locks" with His peace.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that no door is too heavy, no bolt is too strong, and no wall is too thick to keep You out. We confess that we often retreat into the locked rooms of our lives—hiding behind our fears, our anxieties, and the regrets that we think define us. We thank You, Lord Jesus, that You do not wait for us to find our courage or "get our act together" before You show up.

Right now, we invite You into those quiet, locked spaces. Step into our rooms of doubt and speak Your word of peace over our chaos. We ask that Your Shalom would become the foundation of our faith, anchoring us when the world feels uncertain.

Help us to stop hiding our scars. Give us the grace to see our wounds as You see them—as evidence of Your healing and witnesses to Your power. May we walk out of our "locked rooms" this week not because we are fearless in our own strength, but because we are securely forgiven in Yours.

Align our priorities with Your heart. As we practice self-reflection in the days ahead, let Your Spirit guide us and remind us that we never walk alone. We go now, sent by You, to be Your witnesses in a world that desperately needs Your peace.

In the name of the Risen Christ,

Amen.