Jesus is Essential
John 20:18–19: Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The disciples had almost been arrested with Jesus. They remained under the fear of death at the hands of the Jews (i.e., the Jewish authorities), so they met in secret at night, with fear, behind locked doors. (What a contrast with their boldness about seven weeks later on the day of Pentecost!) Jesus passed through the door, as indicated by the fact that when the doors were locked, He came and stood among them. This showed the power of His new resurrection body. But His body had substantial form and continuity with His pre-Cross body. His first words, Peace be with you! were a conventional greeting similar to šālôm in Hebrew. But the words were now invested with a deeper and fuller meaning. 1
Walking with Jesus
To embrace the fullness of this peace that Jesus is providing, read Romans 5:1-5 right now. Notice all the benefits just for you: justification, peace with God, access to God, grace, hope, perseverance, character, more hope, and the Holy Spirit. How many of these blessings are you experiencing in your life? Being at peace with God, through repentance on a daily basis, will open your heart up for more of His life in you.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
When you are at peace with God, you will experience the peace of God.
Praying
Lord, thank You for all Your peace, all the time. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
