19 Now when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were together due to fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and *said to them, “Peace be to you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you; just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
John 20:19-21 (NASB)
Heavenly body
The disciples had heard from Peter and John plus Mary and the other women about the empty tomb and seeing Jesus alive early in the day. Out of fear, they shut themselves in a room – not just the 10 (minus Thomas and Judas) but others as well as Luke records (Luke 24:33).
Shutting and locking the doors out of fear also unintentionally precluded Jesus from entering, or so you might think. How did He get in? “This strange and miraculous appearance of Jesus apparently was to demonstrate that resurrection bodies are not subject to the same limitations as our present bodies. Since we will be raised in the same manner as Jesus (Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 15:42-45), this gives us some hint of the nature of our future body in the resurrection.” (enduringword.com)
Pervasive Peace
What are the first words to His disciples who, having just deserted Him, were likely expecting reprimand? Peace. שָׁלוֹם. Shalom. To emphasize, He says it twice. The first time was probably to settle their nerves heightened by His surprise, miraculous entrance. The second time was probably to assert a greater meaning. He is telling the disciples:
- You have no need to fear my wrath and reprimand. You’re forgiven.
- Your sins are all paid for, in full.
- You have peace with God.
- Reconciliation with God is achieved.
- There is no need to fear for your life. I have the power to protect you. I will use you.
RЯeflection
- Reader, are you at peace with God? Fellow follower of Christ, have you been following His commands, repenting of sin, seeking Him?
- Non-believer, are you sensing a draw by the Spirit of God to repent and believe?
