Peace

Peace, 4/7/26

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples two times in locked rooms. Among other things, three times he said to them: “Peace be with you.” This was not Jesus-the-hippie throwing off casual greetings. It was not even a Jesus come to calm the fears and anxieties of the disciples, who I imagine were still shell-shocked by the crucifixion, uncertain about their futures, and living in terror that they, too, would be rounded up by the religious leaders for tortuous, spectacular deaths. No, I think we look at this and understand that Jesus is saying, “Fellas, I’ve solved the BIG PROBLEM. You and the rest of the family of Adam were living under the curse. You were helpless in your sins. You were doomed to die. And the big problem? your relationship with your Creator was broken. Not now. I bring you peace. I am God. I have dealt with your problem. I have made it possible for you to live in peace. His repeated statement is a reprise of what he proclaimed on the cross: “It is finished.” When Jesus brings us peace, all shadows scurry out of the room. – Easton Omither