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.” (John 20)
Thoughts: The disciples understandably were afraid of persecution by Roman and Jewish authorities. The doors were locked, but it was no fortress. Jesus came through their locks and through their fears to give them peace. His first words were words of peace and His second words were as well. Then Jesus gave them the Spirit of Peace- the Comforter, and gave them the power to offer forgiveness- which also brings peace. Jesus' main concern is to give His worried, discouraged, and upset followers a sense of His Peace and His control.
Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace by first filling me with your peace. May your living presence flood my soul with your peace that passes all understanding.
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