Journey to the Cross

Pause

Peace be with you.

Listen

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”

John 20:19-23

Think

“Peace be with you.” Didn’t that feel good? I don’t think I’ve ever been greeted that way.  Sometimes people will say something similar as a goodbye, but I don’t think anybody has opened conversation with me by saying “Peace be with you.”

The disciples were scared to death and hiding. What was Jesus’ response? “Peace be with you.” They were still trying to process seeing their Rabbi beaten up and killed in the most savage way possible. Jesus’ response? “Peace be with you.”

We have been fortunate to have access to the whole story our entire lives. The resurrection life is the only life we have known. The disciples weren’t so fortunate. They were uncertain. They were scared.

What are you uncertain about? What are you scared of? Jesus’ response: “Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Tyler Spradling

Pray

God of peace, remind me of your presence in my life. When everything seems like it has been flipped upside-down, comfort me with your voice. Amen.

Go

You might have come here in pieces. Receive the Holy Spirit. Go in peace.