Behind Closed Doors

"Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house." Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." [John 20:19, The Message]

It was Easter evening and John tells us that the disciples were "in the closet," i.e. they were acting like frightened disciples instead of being bold proclaimers. They had rolled the stone over the tomb of their fear and doubt and had sealed it shut! Hmm...not exactly how we picture the Easter story is it?

We imagine in our minds that the disciples had spent the rest of the day running through the streets of Jerusalem "Shouting "Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!" We imagine them being overwhelmed with joy; laughing and shouting and singing. However, John tells us that as the sun set over Jerusalem the disciples were hiding behind locked doors, afraid that the Jewish religious leaders were coming after them next. What's up with that?

Don't be too quick to judge those first disciples. After all, how do we react when bad news is all around us? We, too, feel like hiding behind locked doors. We, too, feel like huddling close together with our loved ones, trying to create a space of peace in the midst of the emotional whirlwinds of life.

The good news of the Easter story is not that the disciples were brave and fearless. The good news is that in spite of their doubt and fear, Jesus found a way to reach them. Jesus found a way to get behind their locked doors and make his presence known. He then gave them the gift of his peaceful presence as well as the Holy Spirit who would empower them and give them the courage to set aside their fears, unlock their doors, and go out into the world to change it forever.

What locked doors are we hiding behind? Are we literally "in the closet," afraid to let others known we are lesbian or gay? Do we hesitate to become a voice for LGBT justice and equality in church and society? The good news of John's Easter story is that there is not a padlock, chain or deadbolt that can keep Jesus from reaching us and transforming our hearts, our minds and our spirits. Let us claim this good news for ourselves and for our community that we might face the future with confidence, optimism and hope.