During “Holy Week” we journey with Jesus and relive the gruesome way we humans crucified the Son of God. We remember the disciples’ experience of being without the Messiah for three long, grievous days. We can barely imagine the depth of grief, sorrow, uncertainty, and fear the disciples experienced.
Then comes Easter Sunday’s “resurrection morning” and we celebrate the glorious truth that the story of Jesus did not end with his death. We rejoice that Jesus’ resurrection from the grave of crucifixion death to triumphant victory over Satan and death, fully completed his salvation work for all of us humans. His glorious resurrection confirmed his promise to us of an eternal new day and new life.
Praise be to God! Christ arose from the dead. He is alive! Jesus Christ conquered death forever. Hallelujah! Praise be to God!
Now what?
There are a variety of answers to that question, but the one answer that I hear overarching all other answers, much like a beautiful rainbow, is heard in Jesus’ first words to his disciples after his resurrection. In fact, it is the “now what” answer I hear whenever I see a rainbow in the sky.
John remembers Jesus’ first meeting with his disciples. “On the evening of the 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. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:19-20).
And one week later, when the disciples were again together with the doors locked and Thomas now present with them, Jesus repeats his sudden visit with the same greeting, “Peace be with you!” Then he invites Thomas to “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:26-27).
Each time I read the post-resurrection stories of Jesus aliveness, the words “Peace be with you,” seem to jump out of the text and I ask myself, why does the risen Jesus repeatedly use this as a greeting when he appears to his disciples?
And then I remember that from beginning to end, Jesus’ life and ministry flowed from this gift of peace.
At Jesus’ birth, the angels shouted words of praise, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). It was many years earlier that the prophet Isaiah had announced the coming of a child being born as the “Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
I also remember that Jesus told the woman who anointed his feet with her tears and the woman who was healed of her hemorrhage to “go in peace” (Luke 7:50; 8:48). Also, as he spoke to his disciples about his imminent departure, he comforted them by saying, “Peace I leave with you; (John 14:27).
This tells me that these post-resurrection visits by Jesus were no superficial, neighborly visits, but incredibly significant visits to anchor his disciples in the assurance that he will be with them and empower them forever. And so, I hear his first words, “Peace be with you” as being much more than a simple familiar greeting. Instead, I hear them as Jesus giving them a “rainbow” gift.
This “gift of peace” is the first-fruit of the salvation Jesus has sacrificially purchased for them and us in his death on the cross. When he showed these men the nail prints in his hands and the great wound in his side, from which water and blood came, they “were overjoyed.” Here was the visible evidence of his victory over evil and death that he now shares with them in his “gift of peace.”
Even before his death and resurrection, Jesus told his disciples, “…my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).
His “gift of peace” takes away the fear that is so much a part of living. It was fear that brought the disciples together behind locked doors. And Jesus enters the room to give them the only thing that can take the fear away and says, “Peace be with you.”
To experience the awesome loving presence of the risen Christ is the best antidote for the many fears that cause us to hide behind locked doors. To see the wounds of his love for us in his hands and side and hear him say “Peace be with you” is the greatest of all joys and the supreme chaser of all fears.
Surgeries fail, businesses go bankrupt, investments evaporate, cancer consumes, relationships end, life is not fair, but the calming and powerful presence of the risen Christ can and does come into our shuttered rooms and darkest valleys, to be God present with us. We are not alone. Peace be with you!
<><><><><>
“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – April 19, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
Leave a comment