When the risen Christ suddenly stood among his disciples, they were terrified. Though the doors were shut, Jesus appeared in their midst by a miracle. How he entered we are not told—but this much is clear: The risen Lord came with sovereign power and living reality.
Their fear reminds us how unprepared fallen humanity is to meet the supernatural. If even the thought of spirits alarms us, how could we ever stand before a holy God? This terror exposes our deep need for a Mediator. Peace with God is possible only through the crucified and risen Christ.
Yet notice the tenderness of Jesus. He knew the doubts stirring in their hearts, and instead of rebuking them, he met them with patience. He showed them his hands and feet. He ate before them. He gently led weak faith into settled confidence.
Here we see the heart of our Savior. The risen Christ is not harsh with the fearful or impatient with the slow to believe. He stoops, teaches, and reassures. And he calls his people to reflect his mercy. Those who serve Christ must learn to deal gently with others—bearing with weakness, meeting people where they are, and using gentleness and kindness to lead them to faith (Romans 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:24-26).
If Christ is so patient with our doubts, how can we be anything less with those we long to lead to him?
Prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us in our fear and doubt with grace and peace. Strengthen our weak faith, assure our troubled hearts, and help us trust that you are truly alive. Make us patient and gentle with others, as you have been with us, that we may lead them to you, our living and loving Savior. Amen.
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