Jesus comes, and we might very well be amazed John 20:19-31

In fear we can become paralyzed—unsure what will come next or where to turn. Fears act like locks and chains on us.  Fear has no mass or form, but somehow they can hold us in bondage to mortality, our sin, and our fear of the power of the evil one.  We hold still,  paralyzed by fear; unsure what's next.  And we sit.  Fear can restrict us and limit us and worse.

So the doors were locked.  The first reports of the resurrection had come.  But the 12 were still afraid.

And to our fears and locked hearts and doors Jesus says, Peace be with you.  He says it again, peace be with you.  And it is this peace that he sends us out on a mission from the Father.

We don't go alone.  He sends the Spirit with us as we go into the world announcing forgiveness for sins and a new chance for sinners.

No we say, there's got to be a limit to God's power.  There's got to be a limit.  But in Jesus resurrection we see the truth.

There is no limit to the love, grace, mercy, and power of God who made heaven and earth and who brought the Lord Jesus Christ back to life after 3 days in the grave.

The 12 who had been in the upper room were excited.  They'd seen the Lord.  They'd heard his blessing of peace and direction to go into the world with a Word of forgiveness.  And Thomas he shock his head.  It just couldn't be.  Unless I see him with the marks of the nails and touch him I will not believe.

They met again a week later in that locked upper room.  And Jesus stepped in again.  And his first Word was peace be with you.  He quickly showed Thomas his hands and side.  And now Thomas believed.

There's much evidence of Jesus' resurrection that we haven't heard about.  But the stories we have were write that we might believe and in our faith we might have life—even life after death—in Jesus name.  AMEN