The Comfort: When Peace Comes into the Picture

Have you ever been afraid for your life or felt that you were being chased from an unknown enemy? Your heart thunders in your chest as you wrestle with what to do next.

In John 20:19-29 we’re looking at Jesus meeting with His disciples in the upper room after his resurrection. The followers of Christ were hiding here fearful of the future. Would they be the next ones to hang on the cross? They were paralyzed by their fears; the fear of failure, the fear of people’s opinions, the fear of “missing out,” and most of all, the fear of suffering. These fears were conquered through prayer, the encouragement of other people, promises from God, and faith-filled perseverance. Suddenly, the gloom of that small room turned into joy as the Lord Himself appeared to them. With the presence of Jesus, their fear turned to joy, their uncertainty turned into confidence, and their worry turned into calmness. Anxiety was all removed when Jesus came into the room. His presence was calming to the disciples.

For the past three and half years they had dedicated their lives to someone who they thought would set up a kingdom and place them as rulers. In Acts 1:6 on a hill outside of Jerusalem as Jesus is about to ascend into Heaven, the disciples asked Him if He was about to “restore the kingdom?” They asked that in anticipation of what position they might uphold. When Jesus appeared to them, He spoke four words: “Peace be unto you.” Suddenly all of the fear was removed by His presence when He spoke. Look at the comfort the Lord’s simple phrase and how it can speak peace into your picture.

The Peace with God

That word “peace” has multiple meanings in Scripture. Romans 5:1 speaks of peace with God. “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace with God refers to making peace with God through salvation. The “old preachers” used to ask the question; “Have you made your peace with God?” That means that two sides who were at odds with each other have settled their differences. In this case, you have surrendered your will to God welcoming His peace.

The Peace of God

In Phillipians 4:7, Scripture says ^“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This kind of peace relates to the relationship that a Christian has with God as he develops a right relationship with Him. That kind of peace is impossible to explain. Like love, it’s difficult to express, but if you have it, you know it. It’s a calmness that overcomes you in the midst of trouble. That’s what the disciples were experiencing in the Upper Room.

Excitement or gladness came because of the presence of Jesus. Like the reunion of a family member whom you haven’t seen for some time, when Jesus showed up in the room, they could hardly contain themselves. The phrase “peace be unto you” also indicated that Jesus was giving this peace to them. He was forgiving them for the fact they had left Him. He was offering pardon for their salvation, power to do what they were about to do for Him, and He was showing patience. Also, in just a few days, He knew that in the person of the Holy Spirit, He would indwell them, and His presence would always be with them.

But with this promise of peace and comfort, there would come a newfound responsibility. Peace is not given simply to insure us safe passage into Heaven, but rather for us to share with others so they too may enjoy the fullness of God’s love.

If you are tired of running or feel trapped by the despair of your circumstances, rest in the fact that His presence brings peace into the picture. This peace will usher in saving grace to the unbeliever and sustaining grace for the fearful disciple. Invite Jesus into your despair and hear His words,

“Peace be unto you.”