Easter Sunday: Peace

Devotion

In the Gospel of John, we see Mary Magdalene rushing to the disciples filled with excitement to share the news that she had seen Christ and that He will ascend to the Father. This did not comfort the disciples; there was no peace upon them, only fear and uncertainty. 

That same night, as the disciples were hiding in a locked room due to fear of the religious leaders finding them, and possibly suffering the same fate as their beloved Teacher, Jesus appeared and said, “Peace be with you,” and showed his wounds, proving he was the risen Messiah. 

Why would Jesus need to tell the disciples to be at peace? We see in verse 19 that the doors were locked and that Jesus suddenly appeared. If someone came into your view without you letting them in panic may overcome you as well. This is why Jesus said “Peace be with you” and proceeded to show his wounds, assuring the disciples he was their friend. 

Then their risen Lord, now seen in gladness and not fear, said to them again, “Peace be with you.” But why does he say this again? We understand the disciples were no longer fearful. Christ now gives them purpose. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 

This was an assurance to the disciples that despite their doubts, despite their uncertainty, despite their failures, and despite their denials they were still a part of God's plan.

Similar to the disciples we succumb to our doubts, our uncertainties, our failures, and even our denials. We forget Christ; we forget that he has risen and conquered the sins that we hold on to. This alone should make us glad like the disciples and give us peace.  The sin that once caused the relationship between God and man to be severed was now removed. Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection restored this relationship. Through the resurrection and restoration, there is peace. 

What is stopping you from peace?

Is the peace of Christ worth sharing? If so, are you doing this well? Why or why not?

This art was chosen due to the warm colors, the display of Jesus’ pierced side, and because Jesus is portrayed as gentle. The feeling induced by this piece is calm and warmth as Jesus shows himself to his disciples with love and forgiveness. As Jesus stands amidst them, they kneel before him and honor him as Lord.

Poetry