It is springtime with under three weeks left of the semester which if you are a college student, means stress. It is a time of craziness, final projects, last minute observation hours, packing to move out, preparing for a summer missions trip and papers upon papers. Two days ago was Easter and for the most part Easter for Christians today is a joyous time celebrating the new life we have through what Jesus did on the cross for us, paying the price we deserve in order for us to have life instead of death. As my pastor noted recently, Easter would have been very different 2,000 years ago. After Jesus died, the disciples would have been unsure of the future, scared of the Jewish ruling officials who might come crucify them too, sad that they lost a close friend and reflecting on the last three years walking and learning from Jesus. John 20:19-22 describes the disciples gathering together in a room after hearing rumors that Jesus might be alive but not yet knowing for sure. They are in a room and they have the door locked out of fear of the Jewish leaders (v.19). Suddenly in the midst of all this fear and chaos in their lives right at this very moment Jesus appears and proclaims, “Peace be with you!” (v. 19). Jesus, the one Isaiah declared would be the Prince of Peace comes and brings peace. He comes and brings peace into any situation. So I focus my eyes on Jesus even now when the assignment deadlines quickly approach and He brings me peace. Jesus is the Peace and the calm. He shows his disciples that He is right there with them which brings them great joy. Jesus continues to say in verses 21-22, “‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ 22 And with that, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” (John 20:21-22). With Jesus, there is new life just like in the Old Testament when God breathed life into man. Jesus is the one who sends us out to tell others about Him whether that is the person that we work with, a classmate or a people group on the other side of the world. Life with Jesus is so amazing and I am honored and excited about this incredible opportunity that I have to tell others about Jesus and to love and encourage them. I, like the disciples probably would have, am excited to be called. I am called by Jesus to this school, to this trip, to these nations, to this team to partner with God to love the people around me and to see Holy Spirit come breathe new life into people, soften hearts, grow me, and to do what only He can do. I am lucky to play just a small role in watching the Kingdom of God advance in the world.
John 20:19-22 (NIV)
19 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!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”
