Peace Be with You

April 24, 2022

Peace Be with You.

Peace Be with You

By Brooke Holt

“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (John 20:19)

It was Sunday, just three days after Jesus had been crucified. Life had been turned upside down for the disciples of Jesus, and they were afraid. How were they to carry on, now that Jesus was gone? How could they believe Mary Magdalene’s report about the empty tomb and the angel’s announcement that Jesus had risen? They were disturbed and confused, “for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9).

They just didn’t get it. They were the ones closest to Jesus, the ones he taught and discipled for three years. But they could not make sense of what had happened; they couldn’t put the pieces together—the prophecies of the Messiah, the suffering of their leader, and the death and resurrection of Jesus. Their confusion led to fear, and they hid behind closed doors.

Then Jesus arrived. The text doesn’t say how he got there but that he came into their place of fear and hiding with the words, “Peace be with you” (20:19). Peace. The disciples had known no peace since Jesus had been taken just a few days before. Peter had denied Jesus, John had watched him die, and the others had fled. Jesus’s followers had regret, heartache, grief, and fear—not peace.

Once again, Jesus brought a new perspective, a divine perspective. But most of all, Jesus brought peace—peace to calm their regrets, fears, doubts, and grief; peace to know that Jesus was alive and standing among them once again.

Jesus walked into their place of hiding and met them right where they were—no condemnation, no accusations, and no disappointment—just peace.

We all have places of fear and hiding. But Jesus can meet you there and bring you peace. He alone can heal your fear, doubt, despair, and grief. He can meet you right where you are. He understands you, and he knows why you have done the things you have done. He has felt every temptation as you have, but he never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He alone can bring you loving compassion, complete redemption, and perfect peace.

Will you receive his peace today?

Reflection:

Read Romans 5:1 and 8:1. How can you have peace with God? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

In our six-week small group Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!