We have real peace in Jesus
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:26-31
The events of Easter weekend filled those who experienced it with mixed emotions. From grief to joy to fear and back again, the early witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection had reason to be emotionally exhausted. So, Jesus appears to them. Throughout the incidents of Jesus’ resurrection accounts, we see many ways our risen Savior address those emotions. What did Jesus’ resurrection give to his people then and now? Peace!
The risen Savior gives peace. This truth is a gift for all who live in this world where peace seems so distant. From the world scene to national politics, from community strife to family struggles and personal stress — peace is hard to find. But, when we look at Easter, we find peace.
In the upper room, fear reigned in the hearts of the disciples. The doors were locked, fearful people gathered — a situation where it seemed nothing would change because they were locked in. Then Jesus came, bringing peace by his presence. He brought peace with his proofs as he showed them his hands and side. His first words brought it: “Peace be with you!” Those weren’t just words. Jesus’ words had power and an active promise. He sends them as the Father sent him, and he sends them with power. He gives the power to forgive sins and retain sins to people who were afraid of their helplessness because their leader and teacher was gone. Consider what that says about their relationship with God. That’s peace.
The next week, we see Jesus give peace where there are doubts: peace to Thomas and peace to us who have wondered. He offers Thomas more than visible proof: “Touch me with your own hands.” At the end, Jesus gives confidence to us who haven’t seen him with our eyes that this peace is ours too. He has given us his Word so that we have eternal peace, knowing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Happy that I have eternal peace because Christ is Risen! Just like you!
Jacob Hanneman is the pastor of Shepherd of the Plains Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan. In-person worship is at 9 a.m. Sundays.
Online worship can be found at www.shepherd oftheplainslutheranchurch. com.