³⁶ While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, �Peace be with you.�

³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. Luke 24:36-49 New International Version (NIV)

The Upper Room.

While the disciples were still discussing these earlier appearances, Jesus suddenly appeared amongst them. As has already been mentioned, Luke tells us their first reaction was one of fear, thinking this was a ghost. But the account is adamant that this was no apparition. Jesus encouraged them to touch him and examine his wounds. He even ate a piece of fish! (Lk 24:36-43.) Yet Jesus hadn't just walked into the room. John (20:19-23) tells us that the doors had been locked when he appeared, because the disciples were afraid that the Jewish authorities would be after them next.

Doubting Thomas.

John goes on to relate that Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not present when Jesus appeared. On being told what had happened he was frankly incredulous, declaring there was no way he would believe it unless he could put his own finger in the nail marks and his hand in the spear wound. A week later Jesus appeared again, and promptly quoted Thomas' words back at him, inviting him to do as he had said. Again, the doors had been locked. Thomas' resistance collapsed, and he fell at Jesus' feet, acknowledging Him as Lord and God. (Jn 20:24-9.)

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