Peace Be With You
Jesus eats a fish and other stuff. The end of Luke's gospel.
Today is our final reading on this cycle through the gospels. As I said yesterday in a longer message, I’ll be taking a small break until beginning an Advent & Christmas series on Sunday, November 30. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
First note, before we forget, this is only volume one of Luke’s contributions to the Bible. His second book is indeed the book of Acts. If you want an interesting read sometime, read his gospel and Acts back-to-back.
Peace be with you is the post-resurrection of Jesus in both Luke & John. It is, in great part, why many Christian traditions practice passing the peace to one another as one part of the celebration of his resurrection during worship on Sundays. In a world of violence, which the resurrected Christ knew so well only a short couple of days earlier, it is a remarkable thing for him to utter after he conquers death. Other humans would surely take the opportunity to return a violent favor in such circumstances of victory.
But not Jesus.
He doesn’t seek Pilate, doesn’t approach the Roman soldiers, and doesn’t even look to find the religious leaders. Who of us, wouldn’t be tempted to do so. Find Caiaphas and jump out from behind a Temple water jug or something.
But not Jesus.
He finds his loved ones, reminds them of the plan, and tells them all of peace and forgiveness.
How can we miss this? How can our world still be so infatuated with power and vengeance and retribution?
Not Jesus.
He comes back to his followers with peace, forgiveness, and blessing, not vengeance or retribution. He reminds them of what he’s been saying all along: that the Kingdom doesn’t advance through force, fear, or power plays, but through witness, mercy, and the Spirit’s work.
Luke 24:36-53
While they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” They were terrified and afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost.
He said to them, “Why are you startled? Why are doubts arising in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me! Touch me and see, for a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones like you see I have.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. Because they were wondering and questioning in the midst of their happiness, he said to them, “Do you have anything to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish. Taking it, he ate it in front of them.
Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law from Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. He said to them, “This is what is written: the Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and a change of heart and life for the forgiveness of sins must be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Look, I’m sending to you what my Father promised, but you are to stay in the city until you have been furnished with heavenly power.”
He led them out as far as Bethany, where he lifted his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. They worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem overwhelmed with joy. And they were continuously in the temple praising God.
Psalm 85:8-13
Let me hear what the Lord God says,
because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones.
Don’t let them return to foolish ways.
God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him
so that his glory can live in our land.
Faithful love and truth have met;
righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth springs up from the ground;
righteousness gazes down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord gives what is good,
and our land yields its produce.
Righteousness walks before God,
making a road for his steps.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for the gift of the gospels and for leading us day by day through the life of Jesus. Thank you for the way his words and ways shape us, steady us, and draw us deeper into your love. As we finish this journey through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, keep forming us into the people who follow him with gratitude, courage, and joy.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.