The Perception of the Disciples

The Church has developed a high opinion of the original disciples.  They are pictured with halos in medieval and modern art.  They have been sainted in the Roman Catholic and a number of orthodox traditions.  They are contrasted with Judas, who betrayed Jesus.

This high opinion of the disciples is erroneous, and it prevents us from understanding the wonder of God's grace.  Like Judas, all the disciples betrayed Jesus.  Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.  And after the crucifixion, they are huddled in a little room, terrified of the Roman and Jewish establishments.  In all four canonized gospels, the disciples are consistently portrayed as clueless, self-interested, and vindictive.

And yet when these disciples were huddled in that little room, in John's gospel, Christ shows up in their midst.  At that point, the disciples had not sought reconciliation or forgiveness with Christ.  Christ, without asking for forgiveness, simply continues to be in relationship with them, as if their betrayal never happened.

This is the foundation of the Church; God entered into relationship with us before we could speak God's name.  God continues to be in relationship with us when we mirror the behavior of the disciples.  And so as those who are called to live according to the example of Christ, we are called to treat others as Christ has treated us.  To show unmerited grace.  This is what will bring peace and salvation to the world.