Prepare:
Jesus’ disciples are familiar with fear. Throughout the gospel of John, we hear that Jesus’ followers are filled with fear, especially of the Jewish authorities. To proclaim Jesus as messiah is to face expulsion from the synagogue and separation from family and friends. Following Jesus comes with fear and risk. This fear is compounded at Jesus’ death. He tries to prepare his disciples for his death and resurrection, but they are unable to comprehend these predictions.
After Jesus’ death, the disciples’ fears are intensified by grief. They had hoped for Jesus to rebuild Israel into a great nation and end Roman occupation. They also had hoped to be at his side when he did it. But now their leader and friend, as well as their status and hopes for the future, are all lost. They are unsure of their standing in the Jewish community and unable to trust in the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Consequently, the disciples have no idea what to do next.
Into this situation of fear and uncertainty, Jesus shows up. Jesus shows up, gifting the disciples with his peace and the Holy Spirit. These gifts empower the disciples to begin planning for a new future of proclaiming Christ’s love to others.
Opening Exercise:
Listen to the hymn Let There Be Peace on Earth or read the lyrics.
Discuss together what you felt and heard as you listened to the hymn.
- What lyrics stood out to you?
- What does it mean for peace on earth to begin with you?
- The hymn emphasizes seeing others as our family. How does seeing others as family help promote peace on earth?
Text Read Aloud:
Peace Be With You
If you are like me and my congregation, you have been praying for peace. A lot. Praying for peace in our world is a regular worship practice. It has certainly felt needed in the last month as we have watched the war between Iran and Israel and the United States. Amid the violence and loss of life, we pray for God’s mercy and presence. Among the fear and chaos of war, we pray for Jesus’ peace, hoping this ceasefire holds.
The time after Jesus’ death was filled with fear and chaos. The disciples were hiding in a locked room. They didn’t trust
James Tissot, The Appearance of Christ at the Cenacle, 1886–1894. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
the message from Mary Magdalene that Jesus was risen. They were afraid of the religious leaders. They had no idea what to do next. So, alone and afraid, they hid.
Into their fear and chaos, Jesus shows up and proclaims not once but three times, “Peace be with you.” In some ways, we could say Jesus’ proclamation of peace changes nothing. The disciples are still alone in a locked room, afraid of what will come next. Yet, in other ways Jesus’ proclamation of peace changes everything. Jesus’ greeting of peace offers reassurance to the scared disciples. It does not change the disciples’ present circumstances, but it changes the disciples. Blessed with Jesus’ peace, the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that provides calm even in a chaotic world, the disciples are empowered to go out and begin their ministry.
Peace Be With You
Jesus’ peace does not yet equate a world in harmony. We know that on this side of heaven, we will not know a world without war and violence, pain and strife. Unfortunately, this is what we do as humans. This does not mean, however, we are left in fear and despair. Instead, Jesus blesses us with the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus’ peace gives us the ability to trust in God’s presence and provision even when surrounded by fear and chaos. Jesus’ peace gives us hope, even when the world gives us so many reasons for worry and despair. Such a peace moves us to action.
As we await Jesus’ second coming and the redemption of the world, we do not simply accept the violence of the world. We are called to share Jesus’ peace with those around us. As the hymn states, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. We, like the early apostles, have received the gifts of Jesus’ peace and are empowered to go out and share that peace with others.
Reflective Questions:
- How do you think Jesus’ disciples felt before Jesus arrived? How did their emotions change after Jesus arrived?
- Jesus tells the disciples, “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” What are the disciples sent out to do? How are we, as Jesus’ disciples, also sent out?
- What was a time where you felt at peace? Share what makes this memory special to you. What provided you with peace?
- What are some ways you find peace when you are feeling anxious?
Closing Activity:
Brainstorm three ways your group can work for peace: one within your congregation, one in your community, and one in our country.
Some ideas to get you started:
- Write cards to a group or family in need of encouragement
- Reach out to a different faith community to learn about their ministry and build relationships of understanding
- Volunteer with an organization working for the good of your community
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with you!
Final Prayer:
Holy God,
We ask that you draw near to us when we are feeling anxious or afraid. Fill us with your peace and empower us to share your peace with others. Amen.
Bio
Amy Martinell serves as the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Amy shares her life with her husband, three kids, a disinterested cat, and a disobedient beagle. She loves reading, baking, and swimming.
