Peace Be With You: The Shalom That Changes Everything

Locked Doors and Present Fears

In John chapter 20, Jesus introduces the topic of peace — and given what we're facing at a number of levels in our world right now, it's a very relevant topic. How do we navigate today and locate a sense of peace? How does our Christian faith speak of peace?

After the crucifixion, the disciples locked themselves away for fear that they were next. The fact that Christ had risen hadn't dimmed the thought that they might be next to suffer the fate that Jesus faced. The reality for them was stark: if they stepped outside the door, they could die.

Now, we're not under the threat of crucifixion, thank goodness, but we still have had COVID in our distant memory. The Bondi incident just recently left a local community scared to venture even outside. Mass demonstrations have been occurring 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. Over 2,000 years of history separates us from this story — yet how close are we to the disciples today? So there is possibly no better time to bring the power of the gospel message into our lives.

Four Words That Change Everything

As we open the word of God today, Jesus has something to say about our fears. He passes through locked doors — which is significant — and approaches the disciples huddled in their fear. We are told that the first thing Jesus did was speak to them four words:

Peace be with you.

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. And if you see something three times, really pay attention.

What Does Jesus Mean by Peace?

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

Well, no doubt he brings all of that and more. But the particular peace that Jesus brings is a peace that comes from the consequence of God's presence. "Peace be with you" in the Aramaic language is shalom — translated in its fullness, it means "may God give you every good thing" or "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.

What Jesus Didn't Do

The interesting aspect of 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 the disciples. 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 that you face, let peace come upon you. Not just a feel-good peace, but the very peace of God.

Receive the Holy Spirit

And then came the words of Christ: simply receive. Receive the Holy Spirit. This was his gift. What Christ gave them — and all who follow — was something to engage the world in a way that simply changes everything. Peace is with you. The Spirit is with you.

From Doubt to Declaration

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 clear: do not doubt, but believe.

Believe in him and rejoice with the indescribable and glorious joy that comes with Jesus — as the Apostle Peter wrote in our epistle reading today.

Life in His Name

I will finish with what St. John finished with in our gospel reading: that all of his words were written down so that through believing, you may have life in his name. St. John knew that Jesus came, and through believing we may have life — a life that takes us out of our fears, imparts the Holy Spirit, and gives us a peace that can only come from God. It's then that we can declare, just as Thomas did:

My Lord and my God.

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