“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 sighed. 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.'”– John 20:19-21
John 20:19-21 Meaning
In John 20:19-21, we find the disciples gathered in a locked room, filled with fear and uncertainty following the crucifixion of Jesus. They were experiencing a whole range of emotions. The atmosphere was tense as they worried about their own safety and the consequences of being associated with Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, defying their locked doors and their fears, and greets them with “Peace be with you!” This greeting isn’t just a simple salutation; it carries profound meaning. It symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings amidst chaos and fear.
This peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is a deep, soul-nurturing assurance that God is with us, taking care of our fears and anxieties. The disciples, seeing the resurrected Christ, are filled with joy. This joy isn’t just an emotional reaction; it signals the beginning of a new understanding of hope and life’s purpose. Jesus’s resurrection offers forgiveness and everlasting life to all who believe in him. The resurrection assures us that death is not the end, but a passage to a new life in Christ.
John 20:19-21 Commentary and Explanation
The significance of this moment cannot be understated. Every detail in these verses illustrates the tenderness and intentionality of Jesus. Think about it: the disciples had lost their closest friend and teacher in a brutal manner. They were scared, confused, and uncertain about what their next steps should be. By walking into their situation, Jesus gently confronts their fear and invites them to see the bigger picture unfolding before them.
When we read “He showed them his hands and sighed,” we understand more than just a display of physical healing; it points to the sacrifice He made for us. His wounds serve as a reminder of His suffering and His love. In those moments, as He stands with them, He demonstrates that, despite what they are feeling, He is alive. The previous events that led to His crucifixion could not defeat Him. We too can find solace in knowing that our struggles are not the final say but are avenues through which we can encounter God’s love and grace.
Then Jesus repeats, “Peace be with you!” What a comforting message! In essence, it reassures us that no matter how turbulent life may get, Jesus remains our source of peace. When we feel overwhelmed by situations beyond our control, such as personal crises or global uncertainties, it is crucial to remember that Christ offers peace. It invites us to exhale the worries we carry and breathe in His serenity. This response can transform our outlook on difficult situations when we recognize where true peace lies.
Finally, Jesus mentions, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” It is a crucial moment for the disciples. With this statement, Jesus bestows upon them the responsibility of spreading the good news of His love and forgiveness. We all have been called to share our experiences and testify of the hope we have. This personal relationship we develop with Christ cannot simply stay with us; it must flow outwards to those around us. Each of us is a messenger of hope, commissioned in His name.
Context of John 20:19-21
To fully appreciate these powerful verses, we need to take a closer look at their context. The events that unfold in the Gospel of John lead to this very moment. Readers should recognize that these were dark times for the disciples. After Jesus’ crucifixion, they felt they had lost everything—His friendship, guidance, and vision for their lives. The confusion and despair of losing their teacher manifested itself through fear and anxiety, which most of us can relate to in our lives.
The disciples were hiding behind locked doors, worried that they could also face persecution. This setting serves to highlight the contrast between their current state and the firm promise of peace that Jesus offers. Understanding the emotional turmoil they experienced allows us to appreciate the profundity of Christ’s message. Jesus didn’t show up after their lives were restored; He entered into their sorrows, validating their fears and, ultimately, encouraging them towards a new beginning.
This passage also comes immediately after the resurrection. The resurrection changed the game for everything that came before; it means that death has been defeated. Oftentimes we think of change in our own lives as a negative thing; however, the resurrection is the most beautiful change, showcasing redemption and hope. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems like everything is falling apart.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:19-21
Each phrase of John 20:19-21 resonates deeply within our hearts and serves various lessons. Let’s explore a few of these key parts. The opening line sets the tone for understanding their fear—the locked doors represent not just physical barriers, but emotional and spiritual ones as well. We might find ourselves behind similar locked doors, feeling isolated or afraid in our own lives.
Next, Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you!” should be more than mere words. It signifies the bonds of love that we can embrace despite our circumstances. When we remember that we have an everlasting friend in Jesus, it helps us navigate through personal struggles.
Then, as He shows them His hands and sighs, it is a poignant reminder of the price He paid. Seeing His wounds means encountering the sacrifice He made personally for each of us. It helps fortify our faith and reminds us of the love that God has for humanity.
Jesus’ declaration, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” is a call to action. It prepares us for the tasks at hand, urging us to step outside our comfort zones and share the message of salvation. Each of us plays an important role in spreading Jesus’ message—whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or sharing our testimonies.
Lessons From John 20:19-21
The lessons contained in this passage are profound. First, we learn about the unshakable peace that Jesus offers. In our own lives, it is easy to become consumed by our fear, doubts, or insecurities. However, turning to Jesus enables us to find peace amidst our chaos. It is a simple yet vital reminder that His presence is more powerful than any fear we might face.
Next, we must remember the importance of community. The disciples were not alone; they faced their fears together. This highlights the significance of fellowship and support. Finding a community where we can share our struggles and joys goes a long way in the journey of faith. We should seek opportunities to connect with others in faith, provide help, and be a source of encouragement for one another.
Finally, the call to action reminds us that our faith is not to be kept to ourselves. Christ has given us each a purpose, not only to seek comfort from Him but to also act as lights in the darkness. We should be eager to share the goodness we experience with others, point them toward hope, and remind them that Christ’s love is available to everyone.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting the story in John 20:19-21 serves as a powerful reminder that we’re not defined by our fears but rather by the faith we place in Jesus. May we always remember to look for Christ in our difficulties and embrace the peace that He offers. Like the disciples, we may find ourselves in locked rooms of fear, but we serve a God who can enter any locked heart and bring us the joy and assurance we long for. Let us approach each day with that peace in our hearts, as we become messengers of hope to those around us.
We encourage you to explore other topics that can deepen your faith journey, such as Psalms 116:1-7 or Deuteronomy 28:43. Each verse holds unique stories and lessons for us to reflect on.