Peace Be with You (#205 of 365+)

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After
he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19-20)

Jesus didn’t say, “Peace be with you” because he was being friendly. The words had a deeper meaning. He pointed to his wounds and told his disciples he was the Peace on earth and Goodwill toward men the angels sang about (Luke 2:14 KJV). There would be no more animosity between God and them. Can you imagine all the relief, happiness, tears, and embraces in that room after he said that?

Jesus didn’t scold them for being cowards. He didn’t bring up the fact they’d all abandoned him as soon as the soldiers arrived. He didn’t mention how Peter had chickened out three times in a row just as he foretold. There was no need. He had willingly paid for all their sin and then defeated the grave. He was standing there in front of them saying “peace” instead of “repent.” He wanted them to get out there and start living instead of continuing to hide in dark locked rooms like they were already dead.

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’” (John 20:21)

I once watched a movie scene in which an American pilot from World War II was found stranded on a deserted island near Japan years after the war had ended. He still thought the war was going on. There are people out there who don’t know the war with God is over. They won’t hear the good news about Christ’s peace and life unless someone tells them.

Lord, as I absorb these truths with my mind I ask you to pour your peace into my heart to overflowing on this frantic Monday morning. Use me to make a difference in someone else’s life for today and for eternity. Amen.