What does "Peace be with you" reveal about Jesus' priorities for His disciples? Setting the Scene Jesus’ first post-resurrection words to the gathered disciples were, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). Moments earlier they were “behind closed doors for fear of the Jews,” but the risen Lord deliberately meets their fear with peace. Understanding Biblical Peace • The Hebrew idea of peace (shalom) means wholeness, completeness, harmony with God and others—far more than the absence of conflict. • Jesus had promised this very gift: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). • He reiterated it before Gethsemane: “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33). What “Peace be with you” Reveals about Jesus’ Priorities • Reassurance over Reproof – Instead of rebuking their flight and failure, Jesus’ opening word is peace. – He values restoration of relationship above recalling their shortcomings (Psalm 103:10–12). • Presence before Performance – Peace flows from His own presence: “Jesus came and stood among them” (John 20:19). – He prioritizes being with them before sending them to do anything for Him. • Fearlessness for Future Ministry – Their locked room symbolizes paralyzing fear; His peace unlocks their courage for witness (Acts 4:13). – True ministry springs from hearts settled in Christ’s peace, not driven by anxiety. • Wholeness as Foundation for Mission – Immediately after saying, “Peace be with you,” He says, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). – The order matters: peace equips them to be ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). • Spirit-Empowered Peace – He “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22). – Peace and the Spirit are inseparable; empowerment is rooted in inner tranquility only He provides (Romans 8:6). • Evidence of Fulfilled Promises – His greeting confirms Isaiah 9:6: the Messiah is “Prince of Peace.” – It seals the covenant foretold in Ezekiel 37:26, “I will make a covenant of peace with them.” Living Out Christ’s Priority Today • Rest in the fact that Jesus’ first word to every fearful follower is still peace. • Let His peace govern interactions within the body (Colossians 3:15). • Face hostility with the calm assurance that He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). • Share the gospel as bearers of peace, “having shod your feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). |
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