I have been reading through some of the post resurrection encounters with Jesus recently – Jesus meeting the women, the friends walking to Emmaus, Jesus meeting His disciples … They are all well-known stories that are rich, sharpening and encouraging that we can learn so much from each time we read them. But what I have noticed this time as I have sat with them, is just how much of a beautiful, safe and therapeutic trauma-informed response Jesus brings as He meets with His friends.

Our understanding of trauma and the impact it has on our bodies, spirits, minds and emotions has grown exponentially over the past few decades, largely thanks to the development of new technology – things like MRI scans – that has enabled us to explore more of how our brains and central nervous systems develop and function. While much of this learning is relatively new for us as people – it shouldn’t really be a surprise to find that learning in action over 2000 years ago … of course the God who lovingly knit us together knows how we function and understands what we need and how to care well for us!

The friends and family of Jesus had experienced significant trauma – the arrest, torture and murder of someone they loved dearly … powerlessness in the face of extreme danger and injustice … fear of repercussions – that they would also be arrested for being linked to Jesus … disillusionment – Jesus was the Messiah, He was supposed to save them but it seemed like He couldn’t even save Himself … Their lives had been turned upside down and they were drowning in fear, doubt, grief and loss.

Of course – we know that that was not the end of the story. Jesus had risen – conquering fear and death and restoring us to a grace-filled relationship with our Father God. His resurrection is BIG news – a story of powerful love and redemption that needs to be told far and wide. And the disciples are going to be part of that big good news story. These post-resurrection encounters are leading up to the Great Commission when Jesus friends will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and commissioned to join in with this big God story. But first they need to be cared for. They need time to process and to heal. They aren’t just servants who have a role – important only for what they do – they are friends in relationship – important for who they are and dearly loved.

And so we have these beautiful stories of encounter and ‘with-ness’. Times of affirmation, of healing and of care. In each of them, Jesus models for us a beautiful trauma-informed response and approach – rich in sensitivity, empathy and deep care. These stories are rich – there is so much to notice. Each passage would make a beautiful focus for Lectio Divina – I’d encourage you to take some time to read and sit with each passage ( If Lectio Divina isn’t on your radar – you’ll find more information on it in the ‘Living Well’ resources on the Wonderful Me! website – along with my own version of Lectio Divina to guide you through which you can find here ).

The encounter stories:

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene – John 20-:11-18

Jesus appears to friends on the Road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13-35

Jesus appears to His disciples – Luke 24:36-49 and John 20:19-23

Jesus appears to Thomas – John 20:24-29

The picnic on the beach – John 21:1-14

Jesus affirms Peter – John 21:15-23

But for today – here are 5 things that stand out to me that teach us about bringing a Jesus-shaped trauma-informed response …

1. Jesus brings a calming, soothing approach

When Jesus meets his friends on the beach in John 21:1-14 – He calls out to them ‘Friends’.

In most of the other encounter stories, the first words that Jesus speaks are ‘Peace be with you’. The greek word is éiréné which is used similarly to the Hebrew word for peace – shalom. The word ‘peace’ is far too small a word to adequately translate éiréne or shalom – which both carry far more depth and meaning. They mean wholeness, well-being, completeness, prosperity, health, soundness, safety, peace…

His approach is gentle, relational, non-threatening and soothing – which is so important when we approach someone who has experienced trauma. Experience of trauma can cause someone to become hyper-vigilant – always alert to the possibility of danger. It is so important that we do all we can to bring an approach that feels safe and gentle.

2. Jesus listens.

We see this really well in the encounter on the road to Emmaus. As Jesus walks along with His friends – He makes space for them to talk. He knows that there is good news to tell – understanding to be re-framed – action to be taken … but He doesn’t jump in and talk at them. He starts by holding the space – bringing some gentle curiosity and listening to all they want to say. in his book, ‘The 7 habits of highly effective people’, author Stephen Covey says that ‘Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply’ – but not Jesus. He holds the space and He listens well.

3. Jesus enables His friends to feel seen

I love the encounter with Mary Magdalene in the garden – you can read it in John 20:11-18. Mary is distraught and confused and at first thinks Jesus is the gardener. Beautifully, her revelation moment doesn’t come by Jesus saying who He is – but by saying who she is. It is when He calls her by name ‘Mary’, that she realises she is speaking with Jesus. There is so much power in helping someone feel seen.

4. Jesus brings ‘with-ness’

Following His encounter with the women, Jesus meets with a wider group of His friends – who are terrified and gathered together in a room. The door is locked and they are hiding away, fearful of repercussions that there might be for them as Jesus followers. Verse 19 of John 20 tells us that ‘Jesus came and stood among them’ – Jesus met them in their place of fear and stood with them. He continues to bring that approach of ‘with-ness’ when He meets them later on the beach. Possibly at a bit of a loss and still trying to work out what to do next – they fall back on what they know best and go out fishing. When Jesus appears – he doesn’t cut across what they are doing – he meets them where they are at and joins in with it – helping them with what becomes one of their most successful fishing trips ever! Meeting someone where they are at and joining in with something they love is an important first step in building connection – and it might mean you gain some new experiences and learn some new things – how many Pokémon characters do you know?

5. Jesus cares for their basic needs

The conversations that take place following that fishing trip are rich and deep. For Peter, particularly, there is some shame to deal with as Jesus creates the opportunity for Him to put things right as He gently and lovingly lifts His head and affirms Him. But first – He meets their most basic needs as He says, ‘Come and have breakfast’. Let’s not miss or minimise the importance of meeting basic needs – be those physical or sensory. Where are your quiet spaces? Have you got some sensory soothers – weighted blankets, fidgets, ice pops, ear defenders…? Get the kettle on and keep the biscuit jar stocked!

 

There is so much more I could write here – the examples of a beautiful, trauma-informed response go on and on … Jesus creates opportunity for them to process their story and ‘Name it to Tame it’ … He affirms truth … He enables them to feel grounded and meets their sensory needs … He brings affirmation and acceptance … and you will probably discover so much more when you read the passages for yourself – but even just these 5 examples give us a beautiful starting point as we seek to create safe spaces and bring an approach that enables everyone to feel safe, seen, heard, valued and to flourish!

If you would like to explore a little more of what it might look like for you to create safe space and bring an approach that enables every child to flourish in your church – check out the Wonderful Me! website where you will find resources, training and support – or get in touch for a digital coffee!!!