Healing Rays of Righteousness

Suddenly, without invitation and expectation, Jesus appears, and standing among his fear-filled disciples says, “Peace be with you!”  And one week later when Thomas is present with the group, Jesus repeats his sudden appearance and greeting, “Peace be with you!”  (John 20:19-23).

Each time I read this passage, the words “Peace be with you,” seem to leap out of the text and give pause to my rambling thoughts. Three times he speaks these words to the disciples, and I ask myself, “Why does the resurrected Jesus repeatedly say this each time he appears to his disciples?”

Then I remember that long before Jesus’ birth, the prophet, Isaiah, told us that Jesus’ life and ministry would be focused on being the Prince of Peace. “For to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.”  (Isaiah 9:6-7a).

Then at his birth, the angels shouted their praise with these words, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). Then during his earthly ministry, 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, during the last week before his death, he reminded his disciples of his imminent death and departure, and comforts them by saying, “Peace I leave with you; (John 14:27).

From this brief review and pondering, I conclude that this visit by the resurrected Jesus with his disciples was no superficial, neighborly visit, but rather a significant reminder and reassurance that he will always be with them and empowering them. And his repeated words, “Peace be with you” were much more than asimple familiar greeting. Indeed, he was giving them a very needed and precious gift.

Furthermore, this gift of peace was and is a companion gift with the other God-given gifts of love and joy. These gracious gifts flow from the grand gift of salvation that Jesus won for them and us on the cross of crucifixion, as his final few words declared the gift finished/completed. (John 19:30).

When he showed his disciples the nail prints in his hands and the great wound in his side, as evidence of his love for them, they “were overjoyed.”  And again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21).

Jesus’ resurrection, with its certifying, guaranteed hope of life beyond the grave, is wondrous news. But the uncertainties of daily life, with its doubts and difficulties, remain. And when painful reality sets in, we can easily become anxious, fearful, and despairingly conclude that we are alone in the darkness.

 At such times we need to listen and lean into Jesus’ words of comfort that he spoke to his disciples. “Peace I leave with you; 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 peace is different because it is always given by him in person. It is the reassurance of his presence that takes away our many doubts and fears and fills life with peace. It was fear that brought the disciples together behind locked doors. Then Jesus enters the room to give them the only thing that can take their fear away, his living presence, and says, “Peace be with you.”

The “good news” is that the calming, powerful living presence of the risen Christ can and does come into our shuttered rooms and dark valleys with his gracious gift of peace, saying, “Peace be with you!”

For that reason, we can believe and declare with the psalmist, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). AMEN!

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Ray M. Geigley – “Healing Rays of Righteousness” – www.geigler13.wordpress.com – 5/14/25