What is the most significant event in history? Taken together with His atoning death, surely the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest thing that has ever happened. It changes everything forever!
In our reading from John 20 we see the disciples huddled together, terrified that the ones who killed their master would be coming after them. How is it that 40 days later, they are willing to stand up in public, with Peter teaching clearly about Jesus. What changed? The only satisfactory explanation for the change in the disciples is that Jesus rose physically from the dead and that 40 days later He ascended into heaven and poured out His Holy Spirit to change these men from trembling wrecks to be courageous preachers of the gospel.
Did you notice Jesus’ first words to these frightened men? What might you have expected Jesus to say? Something like “I told you so…I told you you’d deny me.” Or “how could you abandon me and deny me?” That’s what you might expect, but instead Jesus lovingly says “peace be with you.”
Peace isn’t just the absence of war, but it’s living under God’s blessing. To know that the creator of the universe loves you. How can Jesus offer peace to those who abandoned him? Well notice what Jesus does next, He shows them His scars (v20). Every scar tells a story, and Jesus’ scars speak of His sacrifice. He died for the disciples’ sin, he died for the sin of all who would trust in Him, that’s how He can offer peace to them and to you. Jesus’ scars show us that we have a God who not only understands our pain and suffering, but a God who loves us so much that He chose to take on that suffering so that we can enjoy being with Him forever.
Do you believe He did that for you? One man who didn’t was Thomas. He was a rational sceptic, he chose not to believe, in fact, he was so convinced that the disciples were lying that he says he will not believe unless he can start poking around in Jesus’ wounds (v25). Thomas knows dead men don’t rise, but isn’t his unbelief a little bit blind? He has already seen Jesus raise others from the dead, heard Jesus say that He will rise, and his closest friends have told him that Jesus has risen. Why would they lie about that?! Like Thomas, our unbelief is always irrational and disobedient, but look how Jesus treats such doubters. His first words to Thomas are the same as His first words to the other disciples “peace be with you.” He even offers Thomas the chance to go poking around in his wounds. How gracious of our Lord Jesus.
Well you may say, that’s all very well for Thomas, but what about me? I haven’t seen? Jesus anticipates your objection and speaks to you “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” Jesus calls you to believe on the basis of His word. John ends the chapter by telling us how we can believe, he tells us that he has written about the signs Jesus did so that people like you and I can believe. If you don’t yet trust Jesus, why not reread John’s gospel and ask Jesus for His help to stop doubting and start believing? If you already believe, why not spend a few moments rejoicing in your Saviour’s gift of peace to you.
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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