John 20:19-23
“Peace be unto you.”
The Prince of peace spoke peace for their present fears: the threatening Jews and His own sudden materialization among them.
He also spoke peace to them for their mission. As the Father had sent Him, He was sending them. As He had come to bring peace on earth, so He was sending them forth with a message of peace and redemption. But the world would hate them for that (John 15:19). Hence, “Peace be unto you.”
He wanted them to have peace despite the hateful world. He also wanted them to be at peace among themselves (1 Thessalonians 5:13), for the evil one would surely strive to turn them against each other.
The One who is our peace had given them the ministry of reconciliation (Ephesians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:18,19). He was calling them to be peacemakers between God and man. And among men. So the One who preached peace (Ephesians 2:17) said to them twice, “Peace be unto you.”
Got peace?
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).
So that is why I’m here!
Read the rest: Sent. Like Jesus Was.
What are you observations from this passage?
Additional reading:
