It seems more than notable that in the moment and context of Jesus’ first interaction with the disciples after the resurrection, he has particular things to say and they revolve around peace. We’ll get to love in further post-resurrection appearances in the next chapter, but in this moment, with fear all around, Jesus speaks the word peace.
Three times.
It’s the first word on his lips in John to the disciples. Peace…be with you.
Imagine all the thoughts, fears, anger, and other emotions swirling around within the disciples hearts and minds. John tells us they specifically are in hiding because they fear the Jewish authorities.
And Jesus, fresh off the greatest victory of all time (you know, the one where he vanquished death itself), does not come back and lead them in a victory tour. There is no invitation to go find Pilate and the religious authorities to show them what’s up.
He simply says, Peace.
John 20:19-31
It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”
Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”
But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.”
After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”
Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus replied, “Do you believe because you see me? Happy are those who don’t see and yet believe.”
Then Jesus did many other miraculous signs in his disciples’ presence, signs that aren’t recorded in this scroll. But these things are written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son, and that believing, you will have life in his name.
Prayer
God,
The world could use some peace right now. No, I know it’s true: there is much less war in the world today than has been in the last century. Fewer people are being killed by actual violence. I am grateful for that. But there is a significant angst that is robbing the world of life and truth. It feels like that moment before you see a pot of water come to an actual boil. You can feel it, you know the heat is enough to explode, but hasn’t yet, but you know it will. Imminently.
It feels that way, God. And honestly, it feels like your people, my supposed brothers and sisters in Christ, are at the helm of fueling the angst. I asked for Kingdom eyes the other day, God, and this is my continued prayer. Help us to see what really matters and to turn our attention to our neighbor.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.