Year A
Easter
Second Sunday of Easter
John 20:19-31

Contextual Background:

The risen Jesus appears to the disciples, saying “Peace be with you,” showing his wounds, and sending them as he was sent. Thomas later demands to see the wounds before believing; Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing.

Within the Jewish Tradition:

Peace (shalom) means wholeness — right relationship with God, neighbor, and creation. God’s Spirit commissions prophets; now the risen Jesus commissions disciples.

The Challenge Then:

The disciples hid in fear; Thomas doubted. Jesus met them with peace and wounds, not condemnation. One of them miracles in this story is that the disciples didn’t cast Thomas out.

NT Wright tells us that in the messianic tradition the messiah was supposed to bring resurrection to all those whose life had been distorted and destroyed by Empire, not be resurrected.

This is no small change…

The Challenge Now:

We still crave proof and often live in fear. Jesus meets us in our fear and doubt, commissioning us to embody peace. We often want our view confirmed, not challenged and changed. But if Jesus is truly our Lord, then he get’s to change our mind.

Implications for Leaders & Communities:

• Leaders: model vulnerability by showing their “wounds.”
• Communities: live resurrection peace by practicing reconciliation and witness in public to the kindom of God breaking into the world.

What I Am Learning:

Resurrection peace is not denial of wounds but their transformation.

The Question I’m Sitting With:

What does it mean to embody peace while carrying my own wounds?