“Peace Be with You”
Seeking Jesus First - August 24, 2026
“Peace Be with You”
Please Read John 20:19–23 (NKJV)
ReflectionThen, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
The disciples were behind locked doors in fear. The risen Jesus came and stood among them. His first word was not rebuke — it was “Peace be with you.” Then He showed them His hands and His side, the wounds that secured that peace. Fear gave way to gladness.
He spoke peace a second time and joined it to mission: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This was a real impartation from the risen Christ — a genuine giving of the Spirit for peace and for the work He was entrusting to them. The full outpouring for the church’s permanent indwelling and power would come at Pentecost, yet here Jesus already begins to give what He promised.
He also gave them authority to declare the finished work. As they went forth proclaiming forgiveness in His name, those who believed would receive it; those who refused would remain in their sins. The apostles (and the church after them) do not create forgiveness — they announce what Christ has already accomplished. People must still believe and receive by faith.
ApplicationToday, notice where fear has locked the doors of your heart. The risen Jesus still comes into closed places and speaks peace.
Renew your mind with this truth: His peace rests on His finished work. Receive the Holy Spirit afresh. Step into the sending He has given you. Declare what Christ has done, and trust the Spirit to work in hearts as people believe and receive.
PrayerHeavenly Father, thank You that Jesus came into the locked room and spoke peace. Thank You that He showed His wounds and breathed the Holy Spirit upon His disciples. Speak Your peace over us again. Fill us with Your Spirit and send us as You sent Your Son. Help us declare the finished work of Christ with clarity and faith. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.