July 7, 2022

Luke 24: 36 (NIV)

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

It would be healthy to become as aware of Christ’s presence in the midst of conflict as we are during times of Communion or corporate worship.*

The two gentlemen who, while on their way to the village of Emmaus, had encountered the resurrected Jesus, made a u-turn back to Jerusalem to report the incident to the disciples. The “Eleven” (although only ten of them were present – Thomas was AWOL) and others, were cowering behind locked doors, fearing what might happen next. (It’s not clear if they were actually hiding from the Jewish authorities since these two fellows didn’t seem to have any trouble locating them.)

It is easy to picture the scene and imagine the electricity in the air as they discussed the events of the past few days. We can hear his name – Jesus! Jesus! – buzzing all around the room. And suddenly, there he was! Right there in the room with them. Such a dramatic entrance should have been accompanied by trumpets or thunder but Jesus merely greets them with, “Peace be with you.” An ordinary Jewish salutation. “Hello. How are you?” We don’t expect a response when we ask how you are doing and the Jews probably didn’t give much thought to peace as they offered their greeting but on this occasion the words have meaning. Peace was theirs because Jesus had purchased it for them. Here he was, fresh from the grave, presenting them with true peace – between God and man; and among men.*

Locked doors, walls, armed guards can’t stop Jesus from being in the room with us. Whether we are freely gathered together for worship and communion, or whether we are huddled alone in fear of persecution, Jesus is in the room with us. When we come together as the church; when we gather around the Lord’s table; when we feel alone with our hurts; when danger lurks outside the door – Jesus is present with us. “Peace be with you” isn’t just something he says. “Peace be with you” is his promise.

 Unbelief bars the door and keeps out the blessing.*