The Practical Peace of Jesus, Part 2
Last month we leaned into Jesus’ post-resurrection dual proclamation of ‘peace’ (eirene) to His fearful disciples who were locked behind closed doors, and what this means for us (read pt. One), this month we’ll double-click on the second time He spoke peace to them and it’s implications for us and the entire world.
As the One who conquered death, hell, and the devil, He has ultimate authority to announce, and gift, this
rock-solid peace. By pairing this second ‘eirene’ with "I am sending you”(vs. 21), Jesus is notifying his disciples that they are now stewards of the "Gospel of Peace”, serving as His ambassadors in offering peace with Father God and one another through relationship with Him. Jesus, having proven His authority over all by rising from the dead, is now establishing His kingdom's peace over the world and giving these fearful few this eirene/shalom as evidence of His Kingdom, and protection as they go into hostile territory.
Fascinatingly, when He breathes on His friends, the disciples, imploring them to “Receive the Holy Spirit”(vs. 22), this recalls when the LORD God “breathed.. the breath of life” into Adam’s nostrils in the First Creation (Gen. 2:7). Here, the resurrected Jesus -the Son of God and the Author of a New Creation- gifts them new life for the New Creation He’s just launched through His resurrection. The Holy Spirit, the One who brought order and beauty out of chaos in the beginning, is the very breath of this New Creation, empowering these disciples to carry the ‘peace of the Kingdom’ to the entire created order.
So, whatever you’re carrying, whatever you’re going through.. you too have been gifted a peace (’shalom’) that penetrates and saturates inner anxiety or any outward challenges weighing you down. As you look to Jesus Christ (our Rescuer and Deliverer) in hope and trust, I encourage you to thank Him for this gift, asking that it might take root, and take up residence within your soul- flowering into an irreducible and unshakeable shalom.
As you’re living into this expansive gift, remember that you’ve been called, and equipped, to share it with those you encounter each day, as the Spirit leads and empowers you. Go with the boldness the power and authority of the risen Jesus affords you. Go in the peace (shalom) that the ever-present Christ has won for you.. and share this good news (in deed & word) that the New Creation of His Coming Kingdom is for all who desire it!
How does it feel to realize the ramifications of Jesus’ resurrection and New Creation commission in these verses?
Which specific people or circumstances in your life need to know the 'practical peace' Jesus offers to all Creation?
