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!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

John 20:19 – 20

I need to read this again and ponder its meaning.  It begins with the disciples getting into a room in Jerusalem to escape the fury of the Jewish leaders.  They made sure the doors were locked because they feared what might happen, I imagine, like what happened with their Jesus, now gone.

Fear filled the air.  What terrible thing will happen next?  The Jewish rulers had just had Jesus killed.  Now, how about them?   When will the Jewish authorities knock at the door, seeking them, the distraught followers of Jesus?  It was a dreadful time.  This was not a village in Galilee, but the stronghold of Judaism, Jerusalem.  Fear reigned, rightfully so.

Then, Jesus himself came, stood among his terrified apostles and said words that changed everything, “Peace be with you.”  Peace?  Peace when the whole world seems to be against you?  Yes, a thousand times yes! It is Jesus, alive and right there.  He found them, they did not find him.

Everything changed – from fear to hope, from despair to joy!  Jesus came.  This is my story, fearful and lost, found Jesus there with me asking me to love him and to give my life to him.  My night turned to day.  My dismay vanished in a moment.  This is common to all of us who believe.

Praise God!  He is our peace.  I am overjoyed when I see Him!