Breathe Peace

19 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!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (John 20:19-20)

On the evening of the same day of Jesus' resurrection, after Mary had first run to tell Peter and John of the empty tomb, then again to tell all of the disciples that she had seen the risen Lord, those same disciples were still gathered together - afraid. While they were certainly afraid of meeting the same punishment as Jesus, they may also have been afraid that Mary was telling the truth, and Jesus had returned and was angry at their betrayal and desertion. Although the doors were locked, Jesus showed up in their midst and spoke shalom - deep tranquility and well being.

Now overjoyed, the disciples excitedly told Thomas of their experience because he hadn't been with them. But Thomas wanted to see for himself. He wanted his own encounter with Jesus. And Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he needed - peace.

When we tell others about the saving, redeeming, forgiving power of God's grace, our testimony doesn't replace their need for an authentic encounter with the risen Lord. Our witness sets the stage for Jesus to break into hearts and minds that may be locked up with doubt, fear, and confusion, and breathe peace. The cycle continues - freed people free people.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:21-23)