Easter evening found ten of the disciples behind closed doors for fear of those who did not believe in Jesus. However, their world was rocked and changed forever when Jesus suddenly appeared to them in that locked room. His first words to them were, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).

Peace had not been with them since Friday evening when their hopes lay dead in a borrowed tomb. Suddenly everything changes. Jesus comes among them and speaks the word of renewal, the word of life, the word of hope -- PEACE. Interestingly enough, John tells us that Jesus didn’t just say it once but twice. “Peace be with you” (John 20:21).

I don’t know why He said it twice but I like to think that they were so shocked at seeing Him alive after the atrocities of Friday, that they didn’t hear Him the first time. I have no idea really. I just know He said it twice on that occasion and that seven days later when the eleven disciples were present in another gathering, He said it again, “Peace be with you” (John 20:26).

It was a common greeting so in a way we ought not to take it more seriously than we should. His presence, however, wasn’t so common. It was very shocking, incredible, as a matter of fact. So, if we just take it as a normal greeting, that makes it even more special; especially if one takes into consideration that the one giving the greeting is supposed to be dead. After all, they saw Him die.

The resurrection simply changes everything. It changes hearts. It changes goals. It changes life-focus. It brings peace into places where once there was despair and confusion and shattered dreams.

Be aware today that Jesus is on the move and that His first words to you might just be, “Peace be with you.”