John 20:19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
The disciples were afraid. The doors were locked. Fear was palpable. And then Jesus entered and said, “Peace be with you.” Jesus, who had been crucified, buried, and resurrected, says these words immediately. He doesn’t chastise them: “Foolish disciples. Even death has no power over me. Why are you still afraid?!?” He comforts them because He loves them and He knows they are afraid.
John 20:20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Even typing the words “Peace be with you” brings me a sense of peace. Knowing that Jesus’s first concern here was to banish the fear in the room and replace it with His peace is such a gift. Jesus doesn’t extort the emotion of fear. He doesn’t use it to get certain reactions. He loves His disciples. He wants to blanket them with His peace.
John 20:21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Lord, There are so many things in this world that cause fear. So many things in my head that cause me to doubt and worry. Help me to root myself in Your peace, to breathe in Your peace, to know that you are with me always, whispering to my heart, “Peace be with you.” Amen.
John 20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Have a blessed day. I love you.