With Jack Paton.

Our passage depicts a community immobilised by fear after Jesus’ crucifixion, and Jesus’ task is to re-mobilise them. The inherent risk to the disciples is precisely why trust is needed. Risk and trust go hand-in-hand; the amount of risk one is willing to take is dependent upon the amount of trust one has. One does not need to risk anything in order to trust; however, one must take a risk in order to engage in trusting action. Risk is the indispensable ingredient that transforms trust into trusting action.

So this highlights the pivotal nature of the resurrection appearances for the formation of the disciples—the very risky post-crucifixion situation is the fertile ground upon which their trust in Jesus can grow. But vulnerability is something that we also consistently avoid. But could it be that from the example of Jesus and the disciples in our passage – could vulnerability be an opportunity for growth? How can trust grow – trust in God, trust in each other as fellow believers – if we avoid all risk? 

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