They were quarantined in fear, living with an uncertain future. It was Sunday, and the doors were shut. Huddled in fear were the earliest followers of Jesus after his death. Then Jesus appeared and came and stood among them.
This was the first time they had seen him since abandoning him. Their moral economy was bankrupt. So many of their hopes and dreams had died with him. At that moment, he said to them, “Peace be with you” (Jn. 20:19).
The first words Jesus spoke after his resurrection are words of peace. Peace to Peter who betrayed him; peace to those who abandoned him; peace to those paralyzed in fear. He repeated it, “Peace be with you” (Jn. 20:21).
We find ourselves quarantined, in uncertain times, with the church doors closed. Many people overcome with fear. And Jesus meets us right where we are. The fourth Gospel tells us how Jesus gave his peace. He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn. 20:22).
Friends, with Jesus, we can have peace in the most difficult of situations. Don’t trust the spirit of fear, that is not from God (2 Tim. 1:7). Like those first disciples, we should remember Jesus’ words before he was crucified, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn. 14:27). Instead, let Jesus breathe his Spirit of peace upon us. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Col. 3:15).
Peace be with you.
Pastor Marshall Daigre
