The Practical Peace of Jesus, Part 1

It’s not a secret.. you have ‘stuff’ going on in your life, externally and internally, and so do I. We both know that it can often feel like too much. It’s truly good news then to know Jesus has something to speak to (and do, in response to) this reality.

Following Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples were locked in a room “for fear of the Jews” and He “came and stood among them and said to them,“Peace be with you.” (John 20:19). After showing them His hands He again said, “Peace be with you.” (Jn. 20:21). If you’re like me, I’ve often wondered why He repeated Himself, saying the same phrase twice?! English falls short in revealing what Jesus truly meant.

In the original Greek, an entirely new depth of meaning is revealed. The word translated ‘peace’ here is the Greek word ‘eirene’. The favored meaning in Jesus’ initial benediction (‘peace’ in vs. 19) is ‘a state of freedom from anxiety or inner turmoil’, while the meaning of His second benediction (‘peace’ in vs. 21) is ‘a set of favorable circumstances involving peace and tranquility’. Jesus’ use of the same word, but with two distinct meanings, was deliberate.

In the first ‘peace’ spoken by the risen King of All Creation, Jesus is freely gifting the hard won peace (shalom) of His (coming) Kingdom to those within the bonds of intimate relationship with Him, Our Father, and the Holy Spirit. This is a recognizable inner peace (from anxiety & worry). The second time Jesus speaks ‘peace’ to his friends He’s gifting a New Creation peace arising from a ‘set of favorable circumstances’ (‘noumenal’ or transcendent reality), in spite of their perception of their current, real-world, events.

When have you tasted this other-worldly, New Creation peace?

Where do you desire to now?

Next month, we’ll focus in on Jesus’ second proclamation of peace (vs. 21), exploring its implications for the entire world, and our unique role as agents of His New Creation.