Preparing For Easter Family Devotion (5th Sunday in Lent) - He is Our Peace

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

Did you know that the forty days of Lent do not include the Sundays? Can you guess why that is? Lent is a time of thinking about Jesus' death. Every Sunday of the year, however, is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. For that reason, we will spend today looking at one of the resurrection stories.

Questions:

- Who did Jesus appear to on the day He was raised from the dead? (He appeared five different times: to Mary Magdalene, to the women, to two on the road to Emmaus, to Peter and here to ten of the disciples)
- How did Jesus enter the room? (We don't really know but it seems that resurrection bodies are not limited by closed doors)
- How had they behaved when Jesus was arrested? (They all ran away)
- What do you think the disciples thought would be Jesus' first words to them? (Maybe words of scolding or disappointment for their behavior)
- Instead, what were Jesus' first words to them?
- Why did Jesus show them His hands and His side? (To assure them that He was really the same person and that He was indeed alive and not a ghost or their imagination)
- What does Jesus mean when He says. "I am sending you." (Jesus gives His disciples a mission, to continue His work on this earth.)
- What do they receive from Jesus?

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!

Song: He is Our Peace

He is our peace

Who has broken down every wall
He is our peace
He is our peace

He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall
He is our peace
He is our peace

Cast all your cares on Him
For He cares for you
He is our peace
He is our peace

Cast all your cares on Him
For He cares for you
He is our peace
He is our peace

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*