36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
We have already been told in Scripture that at this time the disciples had had at least three reports of the Resurrection: the women, Peter and Cleopas and his companion not to mention Jesus’ own prophetic words to them prior to His death warning them of the things that must take place. Yet, they remained befuddled –startled and frightened – in a state of confusion over all the happenings. In a twisted way, this brings me a bit of hope about my own self! If the disciples were slow to grasp truth – those whose feet actually walked the dust alongside our Master – those who communed with Him and heard His literal voice - it should come as no surprise to me that I can find myself in that same state of confusion – baffled over Truth. I am reminded of a verse in Deuteronomy:
29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deut 29:29 (NIV)
“God alone knows the depth and riches of His Godhead, and divine wisdom alone can declare His secrets.” Thomas Aquinas
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” Paul tells us yet what God reveals belongs to us and encourages us to continue to follow. We do not know all, but we know enough. Our partial knowledge will one day be displaced by the perfect knowledge of God.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)
I find it very interesting that the word translated “talking” in verse thirty-six of our verses for today is from the Greek word “Laleo” meaning to talk, speak and utter; it is especially used of children meaning to talk much contrasted with the Greek word “Lego” which involves the intellectual part of man, his reason. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids. I find that when I am nervous and baffled I can certainly talk too much too and, I might add, very childlike! It is easy to relate to the disciples is it not? They are just as human as we are! Huddled together talking child talk enter Jesus on the scene bringing peace – how like Him! Indeed the word peace carries with it the meaning of tranquility, repose, calm, harmony, accord, well being, prosperity – it denotes a state of untroubled, undisturbed, well-being – such a state of peace is the object of divine promise brought about by God’s mercy granting deliverance and freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as a result of sin – hence the message of salvation is called the gospel of peace for this peace can only be the result of reconciliation with God. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible New Testament Lexical Aids.
“More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” A.W. Tozer
Just as we find Jesus bringing peace to His disciples’ confusion and terror, His desire is to do the same for us as well. Scripture affirms this over and over again. Jesus tells us in John:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Paul also affirms this peace in Philippians:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)
“When we can’t see His hand we can trace His heart.” C. H. Spurgeon
Prayer and thanksgiving are our antidotes to anxiety as is setting our minds and hearts upon things above rather than earthly things. Furthermore, Paul also tells us in Ephesians:
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace Eph 2:13-14 (NIV)
“All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been mu guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.” Fanny Crosby