The Encounter: John 20:19-31

Have you ever had a one-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll never forget? If you did, I assume the moment you read my question, your mind will retrace the memories of that event. Well, our Scripture for reflection today, John 20:19-31, depicts an encounter with the Resurrected Christ, a story that is still being discussed more than 20 centuries later. It says: On the first day of the week when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst and said unto them, "Peace be unto you" (John 20:19). And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said unto them, "receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22).

If we follow up on the disciples’ lives in the Book of Acts, we'll see the fruitful results of their encounter with the resurrected Christ, which was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. We can view it as men of God collaborating with a Holy God. The Scripture says, "And by the hands of the apostles, were many signs and wonders wrought among the people" (Acts 5:12).

 So, let me ask the question this way: have you ever had that encounter with the resurrected Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the Great Strong One, the One who has the keys of life and death, and is in the midst of his people even when the doors of life are shut? We all need that Encounter now, and again, and again, in our homes, in the midst of crises, in the epicentre of our fears, turmoil and gloom. What the apostles feared may differ from all that we fear in the twenty-first century, yet the resurrected Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. And as he appeared to them and showed them proof that He has risen and is above all their circumstances, He wants to manifest Himself in our lives as well.

 Therefore, I implore you to invite Him into your midst. The Scripture says that where two or more are gathered in His name, He's there in the midst. Make room for the resurrected Christ, so He can show Himself great in your life, so He can manifest His power on your behalf through signs and wonders. You may be in pain or despair right now, but glorify the Lord. Magnify His name. Lift up your praises and thanksgiving, because He is risen indeed. An Encounter awaits you where His glory will meet your story.


R.G. 26/04/25

Image: Caravaggio: The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Wikipedia (public domain)

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