John 20:19-23
April 12th 2026, Second Lord’s Day of the Month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, Pastor
The disciples heard the news that Jesus had risen, still they remained fearful, shutting the doors and hiding themselves. Let us learn how the Lord dealt with them in such a condition.
First, the Lord comes to the closed hearts. When the disciples were still unable to fully believe in His resurrection and were overwhelmed by fear, the Lord came to them. Even now, when we feel the weakness of our faith, the Lord comes closer to us.
Second, the Lord grants peace at all times. The first word He spoke to them was, “Peace be with you.” We are also able to receive from the Lord this peace that cannot be taken away.
Third, the Lord sends us out. Just as the Father sent Jesus with the mission, the Lord gives us a mission and sends us into the world. Though our hearts are easily closed off, let us lift our eyes to the risen Lord, receive His peace, and walk as those who are sent into the world!
<The Word of the Bible>
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:19 (English Standard Version)
