Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, 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.
At the beginning of John’s gospel, we see John the Baptist enter the scene and proclaim the coming of the Lamb of God (John 1: 29). He comes before Jesus to herald the coming of the King. Similarly, Mary serves as a herald in this passage. She brings word that she has seen the Lord.
The same day that Mary brings the news of seeing the Lord Jesus, Jesus appears to the disciples himself.
The disciples are afraid. They have locked themselves away from the world. They are in hiding. It doesn’t matter that they are hiding, or that the room is locked. Jesus walks in among them.
Does he say, “Why are you hiding?” or, “Where is your faith?” No. He simply says, “Peace be with you!” Into their time of loss, fear, and fright, Jesus brings peace.
Application: Even when we think no one knows where we are, Jesus knows. Even when it feels like no one can find us, Jesus can. And when he does, he brings peace.
Food for Thought: What is the value of Jesus’ words, ”Peace be with you?”
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He said this a lot. This was His message as risen Lord to His people. I think it is significant in that now we have peace with God through the completed work of Jesus on the cross. We have eternal peace. Whatever sorrow we face and whatever hardship, peace is our destiny. There is no sorrow on earth that heaven cannot eventually heal. He is the Prince of Peace and peace arrives when He does.
Thanks, Rich!
God’s peace is truly amazing! I love the way you put it: “There is no sorrow on earth that heaven cannot eventually heal.” Amen.