The Power of Peace

Scripture – John 20:19-24: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The beginning of the transformation is here. The disciples have gathered together. By now they’ve heard Mary’s story. Still, that night they’re in a locked room – afraid of the Jews. All at once, Jesus is with them. Suddenly He came with the message of peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. What an experience that must have been. There have been times I’ve been afraid and Jesus has showed up with His peace. I’m coming to rely on that more and more these days.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will trust Him today – to be my peace.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me do that, Lord. With all the things in life that would try to induce fear, please be my peace – and empower me to be peace to others. Thanks.