Our Fear Blocker

After Jesus rose from the dead, the Bible says the disciples spent their time huddled in a room with the doors locked “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19). It doesn’t seem to make sense when some of them knew or heard that Jesus was risen from the dead. But fear can be a powerful thing and the disciples had fears that were legitimate. Since Jesus had been crucified, maybe they were next. And since they had abandoned Jesus in his time of need, maybe Jesus was after them. And since their entire way of life had been torn asunder, maybe there was nothing left for them to do.

But Jesus turns everything around by appearing in that locked room and saying these four simple words: “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). John then records in what could be called the greatest understatement of all time, “The disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20). Their fears were put to rest. Jesus was not dead. Jesus showed them his hands and side. They knew now he was truly alive. They saw his love for them. He breathed on them the Holy Spirit, and said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Jesus restored their confidence and gave them a new future to look forward to, blessed by him to spread the Good News of the resurrection. Jesus was their fear blocker.

And he is ours as well. What fears have kept you locked away from experiencing life more fully? Do you have fear of others? Fear of death? Fear of what might happen in the future? All these fears can be blocked and our joys unlocked through the presence of our risen Lord. He gives us the motivation to move forward in life and not stay trapped in our worried ways. Nothing is beyond the Savior’s power to set us free to live for him and touch the lives of others with his goodness and grace. When all fear is gone, greater joy sets in. And as Nehemiah says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Be blessed and find your delight in him.