In the Abiding Facebook ad: “After witnessing the arrest, brutal beating, and…”

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After witnessing the arrest, brutal beating, and crucifixion of Jesus, the disciples retreated behind locked doors. Fear had settled in around them. Their teacher, leader, and friend was gone. The One they believed to be the Messiah had been crucified. And now, surely, they wondered: Would the religious leaders come for them next? Their families? Their future? How do you move forward when everything you trusted seems shattered? Jesus knew exactly what they needed most. Peace. In John 20, three times Jesus comes to his followers and says, “Peace be with you.” That peace did not mean their danger had suddenly disappeared. It did not mean the religious leaders no longer posed a threat. It did not mean all their questions were answered. It did not even mean that Jesus would remain physically beside them as before. Their circumstances were still uncertain. But Jesus was offering something deeper than outward calm—He was speaking peace into the inner places of fear. A peace rooted in what He had already taught them. A peace strengthened by the promise that God keeps His word—just as He had promised resurrection on the third day. A peace that would now be carried by the Holy Spirit, their comforter and guide. This kind of peace does not always change the situation around us. But it changes what happens within us—heart, mind, and soul. And then Jesus did something remarkable: He gave them peace, and immediately gave them purpose. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In other words: Do not let fear define what happens next. Receive My peace. Receive My Spirit. Go and live what you have been called to live. And so it is with us. God knows our humanness. Jesus Himself experienced anguish and poured out His troubled heart before the Father. He knows we will feel anxious, stressed, uncertain, and afraid. But when fear begins to rise and anxious thoughts threaten to overwhelm, listen again for His words: “Peace be with you.” His Spirit still lives within us. His peace still steadies us. His presence still carries us through what has not yet changed. Bless and keep. Abide. Provide. Amen and Amen.