John 20:19-23 (NIV)
19On 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!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Reflection
Jesus was just raised from the dead, an incredibly awesome display of God’s power. The years of ministry, the training of disciples, the opposition faced, the wonders performed and the prophesies fulfilled…all this was leading up to the moment of death and resurrection. If this were a movie, we would expect the credits to run after this epic conclusion. Not so here because this conclusion marks a beginning. A beginning where disciples are being sent out because Jesus’ awesome works were going to continue. A beginning where Jesus says “Peace be with you!” because God’s awesome presence would be with them.
Responding to the Transmission
The word “Peace be with you!” is for us as well. Receive this today. He welcomes us again and again to know what it’s like to be in His awesome presence. Today be comforted and rejoice that Jesus comes to use like this, reminding us of what He did, but also calling us to continue. Let’s make this our desire, to see the awesome works of God continue as we come to Him in prayer today.
