When Jesus was arrested they scattered and abandoned him to face trial alone. Not only are the disciples concerned about what the authorities may do…the are also remembering their actions of the past few days. Some of the disciples if not all… may be asking themselves “Why did we get involved with Jesus…when it would have been safer to continued fishing?” To the disciples who are afraid for their personal security Jesus says “Shalom. Instead his powerful speeches and stories had only made the leaders of Jerusalem angry…angry enough to convict him and ultimately crucify him. They had expected a very different out come… Even though Jesus had talked about his death…they were sure that once in Jerusalem…he would use his power to subdue the city. They have locked themselves into a room…hiding from the authorities… They are afraid…that their close friendship with Jesus… will mean they are the next ones… to be crucified just like him. Today the greeting Shalom is different for Jesus…it is as it is meant to be…a serious desire for true Peace for his disciples. Similar to how we greet each other on the street during Jesus’ time, “Shalom…or Peace be with you”…was how people greeted each other…every time they met. In fact quite often we are not concerned about the other’s welfare at all. It is like greeting each other on the street… “Hi how are you.” “Good and you.” “Fine.” It is a way of beginning a conversation…but it often lacks sincerity. The automatic reply is and also with you. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe d that Jesus is the Messiah, ethe Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. Do not doubt but believe.” 28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”ģ0Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”Ģ6A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”Ģ4But Thomas (who was called the Twin c), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. What troubles and doubts might you need to surrender to God today?Įxcerpted from a “Kingdom Dynamic” and “Word Wealth” study note in the New Spirit–Filled Life Bible.19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Perfect peace is available when the heart and mind keep focused on God’s promise, power, and presence. Surrender to His will and submission to His Word will bring inner rest, as we allow the peace of God to “rule” in our hearts ( Colossians 3:15), that is to let God’s peace act as umpire 1) over decisions that would trouble you, 2) overruling doubts that would disturb you, and 3) overthrowing the Adversary’s lies that would defeat or deter you. Jesus said to His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart” ( John 14:27). Just as the saving power of His death and resurrection makes it possible for us to have peace with God (being made right with Him, Romans 5:1), the indwelling of His life and character through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is intended to help us learn to abide in the peace of God. The angels understood at His birth that Jesus was to be the great peace–bringer, as they called out, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” ( Luke 2:14–17). In Isaiah 53:5, the suffering Messiah was beaten to bring us shalom. In Psalm 35:27, God takes delight in the shalom (the wholeness, the total well–being) of His servant. The word shalom occurs about 250 times in the Old Testament. Shalom comes from the root verb shalam, meaning “to be complete, perfect, and full.” Thus shalom is much more than the absence of war and conflict it is the wholeness that the entire human race seeks. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” “Peace I leave with you my peace I give you.
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