Throughout the Gospels, we witness numerous encounters between Jesus and His disciples during His earthly ministry. These encounters were marked by moments of teaching, miracles, and profound personal interactions. However, even after His resurrection, the disciples continued to experience transformative encounters with the risen Christ.

Today, I pondered on the parallel between these encounters, both before and after the resurrection, and the lasting impact they had on the disciples’ lives.

Each disciple had a unique encounter with Jesus that led to their decision to follow him. Whether it was Peter being called while fishing or Matthew at his tax collector’s booth, these encounters transformed their lives and set them on a new path.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the disciples witnessed his teachings and miracles, deepening their understanding of faith and discipleship. From the calming of the storm to the feeding of the five thousand, these encounters challenged their faith and expanded their perception of who Jesus was.

Jesus shared intimate moments with his disciples. At the Last Supper, He washed their feet and instituted the Lord’s Supper. These encounters cultivated a sense of closeness and camaraderie among the disciples, strengthening their bond with Jesus and one another.

Following Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were initially gripped by fear and uncertainty. However, their encounters with the risen Christ brought a profound sense of peace and reassurance. Despite their doubts and anxieties, Jesus met them in their fear and offered them His peace. Four words spoken by Jesus in John 20: “Peace be with you!” echo three times within this chapter, each time carrying immense significance.

In John 20:19, the disciples huddled in fear behind locked doors. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, offering words of peace. His presence fills them with joy, marking the beginning of a new era of hope and reconciliation.

In John 20:21, Jesus speaks these words, this time commissioning his disciples to continue his mission. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, they are empowered to spread the message of peace and salvation to the ends of the earth.

In John 20:26, Jesus appearing once more to his disciples, this time with Thomas among them. Despite their doubts and fears, Jesus offers them peace, reaffirming his presence and the reality of His resurrection.

Just as Jesus had commissioned his disciples during His earthly ministry, He now commissions them again, this time to go forth and make disciples of all nations. These encounters empowered the disciples to boldly proclaim the gospel and spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.

Both before and after the resurrection, encounters with Jesus had a transformative impact on the lives of the disciples. From fishermen and tax collectors to bold apostles and martyrs, they were forever changed by their encounters with the risen Christ.

The encounters with Jesus equipped the disciples for their mission of spreading the gospel and building the early church. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly proclaimed the message of salvation, leading to the expansion of the kingdom of God.

As we reflect on the parallel between the disciples’ encounters with Jesus before and after the resurrection, may we be reminded of the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ in our own lives. Such transformative encounters will serve as our anchor of faith and passed on from generation to generation.

Just as He met the disciples in their fear and doubt, may we also experience His peace and presence during our struggles. And may these encounters empower us to boldly proclaim the gospel and continue the work of building God’s kingdom here on earth.

Shalom.

Wan Leng