What does Jesus' greeting of "Peace be with you" signify for believers today? The Moment Jesus Spoke “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” (John 20:19) Why This Peace Matters • Spoken by the risen Lord, the words are literal, authoritative, and effective. • They come in a locked-room setting, proving His power over barriers, fear, and death itself. • The greeting is not a casual hello; it is a divine declaration that the victory of the cross now brings wholeness to His people. Peace in the Old Testament Storyline • Isaiah 9:6 calls Messiah the “Prince of Peace.” • Numbers 6:24-26 shows God’s heart to “give you peace.” • The Hebrew idea of shalom includes completeness, safety, health, and harmony with God and others. Five Truths the Greeting Announces Today 1. Reconciled Standing with God – “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) – His greeting seals the reality that the sin barrier is removed. 2. Freedom from Fear – The disciples were hiding; Jesus meets us in our locked rooms of anxiety. – “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) 3. Presence of the Risen Christ – Peace is not merely a feeling; it is the Person who stands among His own. – “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) 4. Empowerment for Mission – Immediately after saying “Peace be with you,” Jesus adds, “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” (John 20:21) – His peace steadies us to witness, serve, and suffer with confidence. 5. Promise of Complete Restoration – His greeting is a preview of the eternal peace He will establish. – “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7) Living in His Peace • Rest in the finished work of the cross; resist the pull to earn what is already yours. • Replace anxious thoughts with His spoken word—read John 20:19-29 aloud. • Practice forgiveness; unresolved conflict disrupts the shalom Christ imparts. • Gather with other believers; the greeting was given to a community, not a lone individual. • Carry the message outward—offer gospel peace to neighbors and nations. Verses for Ongoing Meditation |
    |