Read John 20:19-23
God’s Peace Is Real.
Sunday night, the same day as Jesus’s resurrection, the disciples of Jesus were in a locked room out of fear of the Jewish leaders. Miraculously, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” Then Jesus showed his hands and his side where his body was nailed and pierced. They saw his scars and knew he had resurrected from the dead and they were overjoyed.
Jesus spoke again, saying, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then Jesus breathed on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
God’s peace is real. Jesus spoke peace upon the disciples twice:
1. The disciples were in a locked room hiding out of fear of the Jewish leaders. When fear grips you, your mind will hear things, and your mind will interpret it in the worst way possible that promotes even more fear. Then when Jesus showed up miraculously in a locked room, fear gripped them all the more. Jesus spoke peace upon them the second time and showed his scars from when he was on the cross. This immediately brought peace to the disciples and they were overjoyed.
2. Then Jesus spoke peace upon his disciples a second time. He said peace be with you when he gave the commission that they were being sent to take the good news of Jesus to the world. He prefaced it with the words, “Peace” because the disciples would be leaving their place of security going out in the world so full of hate and hostility. How is that even possible? It is impossible when we try and do things our own way. But Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit because that’s where the power is. That’s what breaks down darkness and allows the light of Jesus to enter into our life and circumstances. That is what will overcome the fear within us and replace it with JOY that comes from the Lord.
Name one thing you fear? Then hear the words of Jesus, “Peace be with you!” Receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and be ready to step out of your comfort zone and joyfully serve the Lord in newness.
