Peace Be with You

May 6th, 2026
by Gary Cheaney

Peace Spoken Into Fear—The Gift of Christ After the Cross

SCRIPTURE:
John 20:19 CSB - When it was evening on that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be with you."

OBSERVATION:
In John 20, we see that after three days in the tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. But this is not the end of the story. He then met with His disciples to encourage them and open their eyes to what He had accomplished.

When Jesus appeared to them, His first words were, “Peace be with you.”
This phrase was a common Hebrew greeting—still used today. In Hebrew:

Shalom = peace
Aleichem = upon you
Shalom Aleichem = peace upon you
Response: Aleichem Shalom = upon you peace

Why would Jesus choose this greeting for His fearful, hiding disciples?

After their desertion of Jesus on the day of His crucifixion, the disciples probably expected words of rebuke or blame. Instead, Jesus brought a word of peace, reconciling peace. – David Guzik.

Our Master came to his cowardly, faithless disciples, and stood in the midst of them, uttering the cheering salutation, ‘Peace be unto you!’ My soul, why should he not come to thee, though thou be the most unworthy of all whom he has bought with his blood? – Charles Spurgeon.

Jesus repeated this phrase two more times (Vs. 21, 26). Why? Because they needed a reminder. He not only brought the peace of God but also peace with God.

We are no longer enemies of God. Because of Jesus, we have peace with God, and with that peace, we can experience the peace of God—a peace only He can give.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When Jesus said “Peace be with you” a second time (v. 21), He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as peace comes upon you, so does the Spirit. Without the Spirit, peace is incomplete.

Why three times? Because they were afraid, and Jesus was willing to assure them again and again—and He does the same for us.

He had faced and defeated all the forces which destroy the peace of man. As He said, ‘Peace be unto you,’ He was doing infinitely more than expressing a wish. He was making a declaration. He was bestowing a benediction. He was imparting a blessing. – G. Campbell Morgan.

My sins are forgiven — peace.
The slavery to sin is broken — peace.
My Savior takes my fears and cares — peace.
My life is settled for eternity — peace.

We must ourselves have peace both inwardly and outwardly, before we can effectively preach the gospel of peace to others. – James Montgomery Boice.

APPLICATION:
When, like the disciples, you lose your peace or struggle to find it, look to the wounds of Jesus. Look to the cross. Peace was secured when He declared, “It is finished.”

Our peace depends not on us but on Him. He paid for it so we can have and experience it… Live in His peace today.

There is a clear lesson: When you want assurance [peace], look to the wounds of Jesus. They are evidence of His love, of His sacrifice, of His victory, of His resurrection. – David Guzik.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace—a peace found only in You. My sins have been dealt with; I am no longer an enemy—I have peace. Help me live in this peace every day. When I doubt, may I look to Your wounds—evidence of Your love, sacrifice, victory, and resurrection. You are the source of my peace.

True peace isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the presence of Jesus, who secured it and freely gives it.

Posted in 04 - John