Peace Be With You

"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!'" -John 20:19

This is one of the most exciting moments in scripture! Can you imagine? Jesus, their friend, whom Peter called His Master and Lord. "You are the Christ the Son of the living God" was dead. They were devastated, confused, hurting, grieving, and scared to death.

One moment they were celebrating the Last Supper (held a day before Passover) the next moment Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried, found guilty, beaten, placed a crown of thorns on His head, made to carry a cross, nailed to it, made fun of, ridiculed, and then died. The disciples watched all this go down in complete defeat, or so they thought. One moment they were celebrating and the next they were in shock and mourning the death of their Rabbi and Lord.

It is interesting that none of them understood Jesus’ explanation of His coming to earth, death, and resurrection. However, a group of people knew He would rise again, "The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 'Sir,' they said, 'We remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Clearly, His enemies were paying very close attention to everything He said. They were worried.

His disciples on the other hand somehow missed it. They were locked inside a house filled with fear. What were they afraid of? The Jewish leaders. They thought they might meet with the same fate. Peter and John were at the tomb, they didn’t find His body there. Who could have stolen His body? Reading this verse almost makes you feel what they felt. Suddenly, Jesus appeared out of no where. There was no knock on the door. Jesus just stood amongst them and spoke "Peace be with you!"

You wonder why He said, "Peace be with you" and nothing like "Hi, Guys! You alright? I’m back." Jesus always went straight to the heart of the matter. Jesus knew they were frightened to death. Their hearts were filled with trembling fear. He knew they didn’t know who took His body, why, and what did this mean for them? Jesus immediately spoke peace into the situation. "Be at peace, Guys! Did you not understand I was going to beat death and rise again?"

Oh the joy that filled that place! Their mourning changed to joy, their broken hearts were made merry. Suddenly, victory was theirs. Three very intense days filled with deep mourning turned to joy unspeakable. Jesus was there! He was alive! Things were more than just ok. He beat death, sickness, and sin. Victory was theirs and is ours.

You see, the disciples failed to understand Sunday Morning, was just around the corner. Jesus had everything under control. The anguish of His death turned to unexplainable happiness. Jesus was alive. All those feelings of hurt, sorrow, and devastation just flew out the door. They hadn’t understood the meaning of His death nor understood resurrection Sunday. They weren’t anticipating Sunday was going to burst forth in complete victory. Nevertheless, Resurrection Sunday was going to take place and no hand was going to prevent that from happening.

As God brought this passage to mind. He began to show me some important truths we are faced with today. We will be celebrating Passover and Easter in a few days, too. However, this year, we are faced with a suddenly with a challenge. It’s called a horrific virus called COVID-19. Many people are scared, frightened, and depressed. They have lost family members. Some are still fighting for their lives. Others are still sick. Many have lost their jobs, and they are filled with fear of the uncertainty. Some still in shock. What will happen next?

One moment we are out celebrating, excited that spring is finally here, planning bridal showers and weddings, graduations and birthday parties. Then next the entire world came into a complete stop. What happened? Suddenly, life cane into a screeching halt. We are locked in our homes, except with none of our friends. Parents and young children or older people are left alone. Fear is high in some people’s hearts.

I have great news for you! Jesus is there with you. He is here with me. Tonight, those same beautiful, authoritative, assuring, and comforting words still ring out and clear “Peace be with you!”

Four words, that stops us dead on our track. Peace! Be calm! Remain in full assurance that I Am here, I still calm the raging storm. I’m still on the throne. I got this! Be still and be calm. Let your heart not be troubled. I got it covered! “Peace be with you!”

Friends, Satan thought he had Jesus beat and dead. His disciples were hiding behind locked doors and scared to death they too would die. Satan thought he won. He wasn’t counting on Resurrection Sunday. The earth shook, and Jesus was suddenly, alive and in full control. He never lost control. There was a reason for His death. He came to beat it and accomplished it. He conquered death, sin, and sickness. He won the battle on our behalf. We didn’t have to lift a finger.

I’m here to tell you Resurrection Sunday is coming. This COVID-19 is dead, just passing its course. Jesus beat it two thousand years ago, on that Old Rugged Cross. Victory was declared back then. “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Peace be with you. I got this,” Jesus said.

Rejoice because in the darkest of days, in the heat of the battle Jesus is alive and well. He declared us victorious. “Peace be with you!”

Rev. Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro Founder and President of Thread of Hope, Inc.

#assurance #peace #topicarticle #calm