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 20:19-23)
Thoughts: Jesus not only rose from the dead on Sunday, but He also appeared to His disciples on this day. So the disciples changed the name of the day to "The Lord's Day" (Rev. 1:10).
Jesus replied three times in this chapter "Peace be with you." It is the words of Gabriel to Mary when the angel announced Jesus' coming. It is the words of the angels to the shepherds- "Peace on earth goodwill toward those on whom His favor rests." In His resurrection, Jesus offers us peace. Peace about death; Peace in the face of the fear and crosses we face; Jesus offers us peace with God; peace with others and peace within ourselves. He said the night he was arrested: "Peace I give you. Not as the world gives give I to you. Let not your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid...trust in me." Jesus's resurrection is our peace and proves He is the Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Prince of Peace, let your peace flow into and through me.
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