19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:19-29
People need peace & security very much, and some people even say it is a basic human need! What can make you feel safe? Some people have to have a lot of money to feel secure, and later they have a lot of money, they still don’t feel rich, and they are still afraid! Some people want everyone around him to like him, but when he has a happy and happy family, he worries whether people will change, and he is afraid of losing his loved ones! Some people must have all the power and can control everything before feeling secure. Unfortunately, no one can control every detail of life. How can we find peace?!
The disciples were terrified at that time! They followed the Lord for 3 years but the Lord was nailed to the cross and died. They lost their beloved Lord, they lost their hope, their faith, they were totally broken! They worried about whether they would be arrested or even killed!
Jesus knew the needs of his disciples. He said, “Peace be with you!”
We all have to pursue our lives, plan for the future, and work hard! But what can give us true peace? Jesus said peace be with you! Do you believe it? Are you willing to accept it? A savior who rose from the dead and conquered sin, the devil, and death! If He gives you peace, do you still need to worry? Can you let go of your pre-requirements, let go of your worries, do not rely on yourself, and completely trust God? Not my will but thy will be done!
We didn’t see the resurrected flesh of Jesus Christ, but he speaks to us today!
“Peace be with you!”
We believe without seeing it! We are all blessed! The peace that the Lord bestows in our hearts is true peace, and no one can take it away! Do you believe it?
Song: I’ve Got Peace Like a River
I’ve got peace like a river
In my soul
I’ve got joy like a river
In my soul
I’ve got love like a river
In my soul
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 