The Gospels tell us that Jesus' friends, specifically his disciples, locked themselves in a room after his crucifixion for a few key reasons, all stemming from fear:
* Fear of the Jewish authorities: The Jewish leaders had just orchestrated Jesus' arrest, trial, and execution. His disciples, being closely associated with him, feared they would be next. They worried about being arrested, persecuted, and possibly killed for being his followers.
* Fear of the Romans: While the Jewish authorities instigated the events, it was the Roman authorities who carried out the crucifixion. The disciples likely feared that the Romans might see them as a threat to public order and take action against them.
* Uncertainty and grief: The disciples were likely experiencing immense grief and confusion after Jesus' death. Their leader was gone, their hopes seemed dashed, and they didn't know what to do or what the future held. This uncertainty likely fueled their fear and desire to hide away.
* Lack of understanding: The disciples didn't fully understand Jesus' prophecies about his death and resurrection. They were still processing the events and hadn't yet grasped the significance of what had happened. This lack of understanding likely contributed to their fear and despair.
So, in summary, the locked room was a symbol of their fear, grief, uncertainty, and lack of understanding in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion. They were hiding, trying to make sense of what had happened, and fearing for their lives.