"The World Won't Be Lonely Now"

April 15, 2012

John 20:19-31

[words in italics are from song written by Bob Schadle, Van Horne, Iowa]

The disciples felt overwhelmed. When confronted with something larger than us, we can feel that way, can’t we? When a problem can’t be figured out, when what’s happened doesn’t make any sense, or when we can’t quite get our mind around something – we become stressed, and feel pressured or small.

Overwhelmed and alone is how the disciples felt after Jesus died. Fearful and confused, Jesus’ followers were now huddled together in a small room behind locked doors. They had no idea where to turn or what to do next. Their teacher, who had held them together for so long was dead. 

He had been executed like a common criminal and buried in a tomb. It wasn’t supposed to end like that! With Jesus buried in that tomb, their hope, their vision, their direction in life was gone. Jesus’ disciples were now left only with an overwhelming sense of failure, loss, and shame.

Jesus did so much for everyone

When he walked this earth,

So many, many years ago

When on high his Father called him,

To be there, by His side,

And all the world seems lonely now.

They remembered their journey together with Jesus, his teaching as they slowly walked from town to town. The words he spoke were huge, hard to understand at times – especially when he talked about the kingdom and everyone’s part in it. His miracles even suggested he was the son of God.  

Jesus’ followers were disappointed with themselves – maybe even a little upset with Jesus. They felt miserable, depressed and letdown. He had raised their hopes so high – and now those hopes and dreams were crushed. Imagine how hopeless they must have felt and how upset and frustrated they must have been.

And then Mary Magdalene started talking nonsense: she said she’d seen Jesus and had talked with him; he was alive, and had risen from the dead just as he’d promised. They didn't believe her, but still thought - wouldn’t it be great if it were! If only it were true.

If only he were here now,

How different our life could be,

He could change the way things are today,

We would all be so happy so that every head would bow,

But all the world seems lonely now.

In his gospel, the apostle John writes, “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’”

Suddenly, quietly, amazingly there he was, right there in their midst, right before their very eyes. Jesus was alive! And, once again, he was with them. He showed them his hands and his side and they rejoiced. It was him! They saw the Lord. They were certain. He was alive!

They had felt abandoned, alone, as if a rug had been pulled out from under them. Their hope had been crushed. They were confused and upset, their energy sapped, their spirits listless and adrift. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.” His words and presence settled their souls.

They say you can’t miss something,

Something you never had,

But I don’t believe that to be true.

We’ve always had his love for us

and his forgiveness, too,

And that’s not really something new.

At first, when Jesus appeared to them, the disciples might have been a little afraid that this wasn’t all good news. He might understandably be angry with their abandoning him, and yet there was no anger, or criticism, or judgment. But, instead, Jesus’ first words were: "Peace be with you."

Jesus knew their fear and embarrassment, he knew how upset they were, and he assured them once again of his forgiveness and love for them. Regardless of what they had done or not done, he forgave them; he loved them. As at creation, he breathed into them his Holy Spirit.

Once again Jesus’ disciples could believe; once again they had hope. No longer did they feel overwhelmed. The doors could be unlocked; and they could now go outside. Now, their faith strengthened, they could be his disciples and take the gospel message to the ends of the earth.

If he walked in your door today,

Would you believe that to be true

Then turned around and left then,

What would you really do?

Would you run after him and tell him please do stay,

Or would you just stand there, I hope not this I pray.

Christ enters our place of refuge to assure us of his love and forgiveness. He comes in the midst of what overwhelms us to say, "Peace be with you." Whatever our doubts or troubles, whatever walls we’ve put up or doors we’ve locked, he comes to say, "Peace be with you."

God calls us, feeds us, and sends us out into the world to be justice and peace, salt and light, hope for the world. As God sent Jesus, God sends us into the world God loves. Our mission is to love the world in every possible way. The time is now.

So everyone is asking,

What shall we do and how?

I really don’t know the answer,

But I do know the time is now.

Then maybe the world

Won’t be lonely now.