Peace Be With You

Encounter: Open your Bibles to John 20:19 - 22. Read through a couple of times and simply sit in this space for a moment or two. Envision the scene by placing yourself in the midst of the disciples who were afraid of the Jewish leaders and had locked themselves in a room. Take notice of when Jesus appears to them. Look into the disciples face and take notice of what your body is experiencing. Sit with this for a moment.

The disciples had locked themselves in a room together for fear the Jewish leaders were going to be looking for them because of their association with Jesus. Just as we can lock ourselves into a room to hide from what fears us, fear will lock ourselves within our inner self and prevent our real self from appearing.

In Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, the first thing he says to them is “Peace be with you.” As Jesus spoke these words, He showed them His hands and side where they had been pierced. The disciples were filled with Joy!

We don’t know how long after he spoke and showed them his hands and side that he speaks again; “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” What do you think the reaction might be in the face of the disciples who were afraid of the Jewish leaders?

What would your reaction be?

Jesus knew their fear. He knew that they were locked up in more than a physical room. He knew the fear would prevent them from going out and not only speak the gospel but also live it.

The very next thing Jesus does is breathe on them and tell them to “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

John 14:16-17, 27 Jesus tells the disciples; “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth… But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

The fear the disciples were facing, may not have left them, but they were able to go out with the peace of Christ and trust that the light unto their path would shine before them. For they remembered that the Holy Spirit would remind them of everything they experienced with Jesus.

We all will face some kind of fear.

The question is...will we face it with the peace of Christ within us?

I have been sitting through a two month long discernment process of a very significant change in my life. God has been calling upon my heart to make a change that has raised questions, and certain fears. Each time those fears or questions come to mind, the Holy Spirit reminds me of scripture to affirm the direction and that it is not my strength that moves me beyond the locked room forward onto firm ground.

As you consider the fears in your life whether they are now or to come in the future, remember this verse from John 14:27 NIV;

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

May the Peace of Christ be with you!

Pastor Phil

Reflection: Once again, take some time to sit with John 14:19 - 22. Imagine the scene you have read. Study the disciples and consider what their fears might be. Notice the change that might have occurred as Jesus appears in the locked room with the disciples and speaks not once but twice; “Peace be with you.” Does their body language change yet again as Jesus follows up the second “peace be with you” comment with; “As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”

During this time, take notice of what your body is feeling.

Are there any fears coming to the surface for you?

Now take the time to focus in on Jesus.

As Jesus looks directly at you, take the time to name or tell him your fears.

Sit silently and listen.

Record your experience and come back to this later in the day or week and notice if you see or feel anything differently.

Small Group: In your small groups, read and reflect upon the experience above. Consider the following questions:

1. What changed in the disciples to go from fear in a locked room to in the world proclaiming His gospel? How might this help you?

2. What encouragement do you need to have peace while in the midst of chaos?

3. What are some of the fears you face when it comes time to share your story to others?

4. What do you need to overcome those fears or at least have the peace of Christ when it comes time to tell your story?