Day 39: Peace Be With You — John 20:19-23
Welcome to Day 39 of our Lent series "From Promise to Resurrection." Today, we reflect on a profound moment captured in John 20:19-23, where Jesus greets His disciples with the words, "Peace be with you." This encounter occurs on the evening of the resurrection day, marking a pivotal moment in the disciples' journey and in the broader narrative of redemption.
After the crucifixion, the disciples were consumed by fear and uncertainty, hidden away behind locked doors. Into this atmosphere of turmoil, Jesus enters and offers peace. This greeting was not just a common salutation; it was a declaration and an impartation of peace that only the risen Christ could provide.
The significance of Jesus choosing to say "Peace be with you" at this moment cannot be overstated. It underscores the fulfillment of His promise to bring peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace was different from what the world could give—it was a peace that meant reconciliation with God, assurance in the midst of chaos, and the Holy Spirit's comforting presence.
Moreover, Jesus shows His hands and side to the disciples, proof of His crucifixion and resurrection, reinforcing that this peace was bought at a price. The wounds He displayed were not just evidence of His identity but also a testament to the suffering that brought about peace between humanity and God.
Following this, Jesus commissions the disciples, saying, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Then He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act of imparting the Holy Spirit is pivotal. It not only equipped the disciples for the mission ahead but also marked the beginning of the new covenant in which the law would be written on their hearts, empowering them to live out and spread the peace of Christ.
This passage invites us to reflect on the peace we are offered through Christ. In a world rife with conflict and strife, the peace of Jesus is a beacon of hope and stability. It calls us to move beyond our fears and uncertainties, stepping out in faith to embrace the mission entrusted to us.
As we approach the conclusion of Lent and look towards the joy of Resurrection Sunday, let us hold fast to the peace of Christ. May it guard our hearts and minds, and may we, like the disciples, be emboldened to share this peace with a world in desperate need.
Today, let us meditate on the depth of peace we have received and consider how we can live out this peace in our interactions and decisions. May the peace of the Lord truly be with us all.
