After the resurrection, the disciples gather together behind locked doors. The text tells us that they do this because they are afraid. They lock their doors out of fear. Don’t we do the same? How often in our lives do we engage the world through fear instead of faith? It is easy to turn to fear over and over again, especially when we have had trials or pain. The disciples were scared. They had reason to be. But, engaging the world in fear is not the path that we are called to walk.

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The disciples were hiding, afraid after witnessing the religious leaders arrest and crucify Jesus. While some had heard that his body was gone and Mary Magdalene mentioned he might be alive, fear held them back. They locked their doors to stay safe and avoid attention from the leaders. Fear dictated their actions, as it often does in our lives.

It’s easy to let fear control us—locking our hearts, isolating ourselves, and avoiding risks. But fear shouldn’t be our guide. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to hope, not to cower. Jesus, who overcame death, entered the locked room where the disciples hid, showing them his hands and side. His presence replaced their fear with peace.

Mary Magdalene’s encounter at the tomb reflects another aspect of hope. Grieving, she initially failed to recognize Jesus until he called her by name. The tears of sorrow had blinded her to his presence. Sometimes, our own grief or pain can hide Jesus from us. But he is always near, ready to call us by name.

Jesus’ resurrection is more than a promise—it’s a call to live boldly. It challenges us to face life with hope and faith, not fear. The world can feel overwhelming, but as Christians, we trust in a risen Savior who conquered death and promises new life.

So, where are we letting fear guide us today? How can we open the locked doors of our hearts to hope and faith instead? Let’s remember that Jesus meets us where we are—through grief, fear, or doubt—to bring us peace and life.