Peace be with you!

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:19-22

Thoughts: 

The disciples, fearful of the Jews, were astonished when Jesus miraculously appeared amongst them. Expecting words of scolding or disappointment, imagine their surprise when the first words Jesus spoke to them after their desertion were: "Peace be with you!" These words were words of reconciliation...healing between God the Son and His closest followers. They are reminiscent of the words the angel spoke to the shepherds at His birth: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all men." Then Jesus breathes on them the Holy Spirit. Many people see the connection between this breathing on the disciples and when God created man and breathed the breath of life in him. This is a work of re-creation, even as God breathed life into the first man. This is where the disciples are born again.

Prayer: 

Father God, we thank You that You are a God of reconciliation and peace. You do not treat us as our sins deserve. We thank you Jesus that You came to this earth and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Thank you for the peace You bring. No matter what is happening around us, when we fix our eyes on You, You are our peace. We love You Jesus!