When Jesus was crucified and died, the hope of his disciples also died.

When Jesus was crucified and died...😰
The disciples' hope... died too.
After that, they feared that they would be the next to be arrested.😱
...Then, the disciples locked themselves away in fear and anxiety...
...The resurrected Lord Jesus appeared to them!

Jesus came to the midst of the disciples, whose hearts were closed off with anxiety, and said:

"Peace be with you!"
...How joyful the disciples must have been.
...How comforted and encouraged they must have been when they heard the Lord's voice.
...It was a moment of transformation from despair to victory, from fear to peace.
...The disciples had heard from Mary and others that Jesus had risen from the dead.

But they couldn't believe it.😨
...The Lord Jesus... rose again 2000 years ago and is still alive today. He is smiling right before your eyes, right beside you. ...Hebrews 11:6.

"Without faith, you cannot please God."
"For whoever comes near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
...
Shalom 😃

This page archives a Morning Word message shared by Pastor Peter Sunagawa on LINE. The English prose is a translation of the Japanese source message. For Scripture wording, use the BSB link above.