April 17, 2026
Passage to read: John 20:19-31, especially verses 19-23
Jesus’s “Peace to you” and Jesus’ “receive the Holy Spirit” is not just the usual greeting of “Shalom;” it is an impartation, a bestowal of peace. Nor is it a limited peace as in peace for this moment or for today; it is “the end times” (the theological word is “eschatological”) peace that all Israel awaited for centuries. And not just Israel, all humanity has been waiting for, longing for the “peace of God.”
We often hear “Be the change.” To receive Jesus’ Spirit and to receive Jesus’ peace IS the change.
We cannot force ourselves to be peaceful. That is a contradiction. We can intend to receive Jesus’ Spirit and in doing so receive Jesus’ peace. We can be the end times hope right here right now.
If you think something like “Yea, that sounds well and good, but I’ve tried and nothing happens, or it doesn’t last.” Yes! Receiving Jesus’ peace is not a magic formula. It is a choice, an intention, that becomes a discipline that becomes a habit that becomes a way of life. This intention reorients our consciousness. Sooner than we think Jesus’ Spirit becomes our companion who transforms us starting with the peace of Jesus that transcends all understanding.
You remain in my prayers,
Jim
[For further reflection: John 14:1, 27. Matthew 11:25-30. Philippians 4:4-10.]
