Peace be with you — and what Jesus actually meant by that

Behind locked doors

After the crucifixion, the disciples locked themselves away. Not because they didn't believe Jesus had risen — but because they were terrified they were next. If they stepped outside that door, they could die.

Over 2000 years of history separates us from that scene. And yet, how close are we to those disciples today?

We're not under the threat of crucifixion, thank goodness. But we've had COVID in our not-so-distant memory. The Bondi incident shook a local community into fear of venturing outside. Mass demonstrations have filled the streets this week. And I was personally involved with Lifeline for many years, and it revealed to me how many people within our local communities are locked away in their own fear of the world outside.

For many, the world doesn't look particularly inviting right now. So there is possibly no better time to bring the gospel message into our lives.

Four words through a locked door

In John chapter 20, Jesus passes through locked doors — which is significant — and approaches the disciples huddled in their fear. And the first thing he does is speak four words to them.

"Peace be with you" (John 20:19, NRSV).

He says it not once, but twice. And then again to Thomas. I often say in my messages: if Jesus says something twice, it's worth paying attention. If he says something three times, really pay attention.

So when Jesus speaks of peace, it begs the question — what does he mean by peace? Is it a feel-good peace? A relaxed, tranquil, no-more-stress kind of peace? A peace that hopes for the best?

No doubt he brings all of that and more. But the particular peace Jesus brings comes from the consequence of God's presence.

Shalom

"Peace be with you" in the Aramaic language is shalom. Translated in its fullness, it means "may God give you every good thing" — God's blessing upon you. For Jesus, the peace he brings is entirely in the context of the presence of God. Peace and God stand together.

Now, the interesting thing about this account is that Jesus did not address any of the disciples' direct concerns. He didn't strike an iron fist against the very people that threatened them. He didn't place a sword or a spear in their hands. He didn't call them to take up arms and go to war with the Romans. He didn't usher down legions of angels to destroy the people threatening them.

His very first words to them were shalom. Peace be with you.

In other words: no matter what befalls you, no matter what your circumstances right now, in the middle of the fears you face — let peace come upon you. Not just a feel-good peace, but the very peace of God. And then: "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22, NRSV). Simply receive.

This was his gift. What Christ gave them — and all who follow — was something to engage the world in a way that changes everything. Peace is with you. The Spirit is with you.

The doubting we carry

And of course, in the midst of all this, there is some doubting. Doubting Thomas. I think St. John probably wrote this thinking that there was always a doubting Thomas aspect that we carry. And Jesus' words to our doubts are: "Do not doubt but believe" (John 20:27, NRSV).

Believe in him and rejoice with what our reading from 1 Peter calls "an indescribable and glorious joy" (1 Peter 1:8, NRSV).

So that through believing

I'll finish with what St. John finished with in our gospel reading — that all his words were written down "so that through believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31, NRSV).

St. John knew that Jesus came, and through believing we may have life. A life that takes us out of our fears. That imparts the Holy Spirit. That gives us a peace that can only come from God. And it's then we can declare, just as Thomas did: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28, NRSV).

So as you continue in your life and in the world — may the peace, the shalom of God, be with you.

Where are you locked away right now? What doors have you shut out of fear? And what would it mean to hear those four words spoken into the middle of it — peace be with you?