Peace Be With You: Finding Calm in Christ's Presence
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 14 2024 | John 20:19-20
KEY VERSE:
On the evening of that 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!' John 20:19 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 20:19-20, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors, filled with fear and uncertainty following Jesus' crucifixion. In the midst of their anxiety, Jesus appears and stands among them, offering a simple yet profound greeting: "Peace be with you." This moment is a powerful reminder that Christ's presence brings peace, even in the most troubling circumstances. Jesus’ greeting is not just a casual salutation; it is a declaration of His victory over death and His ability to calm our hearts and minds. When we invite Jesus into our fears and uncertainties, He meets us with His peace, dispelling our anxieties and filling us with His calm assurance. After all, He is the Prince of Peace.
Jesus' display of His wounds to the disciples serves as a tangible confirmation of His resurrection and the fulfilment of His promises. By showing His hands and side, Jesus provides proof of His identity and the reality of His victory over death. This act reassures the disciples and transforms their fear into joy. In our own lives, reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice and victory can shift our perspective from fear to faith. His wounds remind us of the depth of His love and the power of His resurrection, offering us a solid foundation on which to stand amidst life's challenges. In Christ, we find the strength to face our fears, knowing that He has overcome the world.
The disciples' response to Jesus' presence—being overjoyed when they saw the Lord—illustrates the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Their fear and despair turned to joy and hope in an instant. This same transformation is available to us today. When we seek Christ's presence, especially in our moments of fear and uncertainty, we too can experience the profound peace and joy that He offers. Jesus' words, "Peace be with you," are a timeless promise that we can hold onto, no matter what we face. Let us open our hearts to His presence, allowing His peace to calm our fears and His joy to fill our lives.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
When the noise around you becomes intense and you have lost your peace, be sure to turn to Jesus the Prince of Peace for the restoration of your peace. Your peace can only be permanent if you come to Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. I desire the Peace that you give. Draw me more and more into your presence, for there I find my peace. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: PEACE
The Greek term for “peace” here is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which translates to a state of tranquillity, harmony, and safety. In Jewish culture, the word shalom carried this same weight, signifying not only the absence of conflict but also wholeness, restoration, and alignment with God’s will.
Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you was a declaration of restored relationship with God, affirming His victory over sin and death. This greeting, rooted in eirēnē, assures the disciples that they can live without fear, as Jesus’ resurrection brings wholeness and reconciliation. This peace is both a gift and a state of being that Jesus imparted to believers, empowering them to live with unwavering trust in God’s promises. Seeking eirēnē in Jesus means finding peace in His unchanging presence and faithfulness.
Reflections: What would it look like to truly embrace the peace Jesus offers? Let this divine peace fill every corner of your life, bringing strength and calm where fears once resided.
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