According to John’s Gospel, this was Jesus’ first appearance to HIs disciples after His resurrection. His first word to them was the common greeting used by the Jewish people of that day-a wish for their peace, wholeness, and well-being.
When Jesus greeted them with these words, perhaps the disciples remembered a promise of His supernatural peace and presence that He had made to them while training them for the task of carrying on His work: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
WISHES FOR PEACE
- A kind old man in the city of Gibeah greeted a stranger in town with the words, “Peace be with thee” (Judges 19:20).
- David instructed his men to introduce themselves to the wealthy herdsman Nabal with this elegant greeting: “Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast” (1 Sam 25:6). David hoped that Nabal would provide food for his hungry warriors.
JOHN 20:19 – The same day at evening . . came Jesus and stood in the midst [among them, NIV], and saith unto them [His disciples], Peace be unto you.