Peace Be With You

By Doug Wigginton

September 10, 2025

Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

John 20:21 (NIV)

The disciples find themselves hiding in a room behind a locked door, their emotions in turmoil. They likely wring their sweaty hands and feel their hearts pounding as they nervously discuss their next steps. For now, they have chosen to hide rather than confront those who wish to silence them. Anxious and fearful of what might happen if they are discovered, they sit quietly, anticipating the worst. Their fears are justified, as the threat they face is very real.

Luke carefully chronicles the unfolding events. Having witnessed the crucifixion, the disciples may feel disillusioned and abandoned. They are angry about what has happened and anxious about what may happen to them. Suddenly, without any warning, Jesus appears in the upper room and stands among them. To calm their fears, He says, "Peace be with you! Look at the scars on my hands and feet; it is really me." Perhaps they did not hear Him the first time, so Jesus repeats, "Peace be with you!"

Rather than appearing unscathed, Jesus uses His scars to reassure them. This approach is deeply significant. He embodies what Henry Nouwen refers to as a "wounded healer." This notion is reminiscent of the words spoken during Holy Communion: "This is my body broken for you." It is through His brokenness that salvation becomes available to us. Furthermore, it is in our own brokenness and weakness that we can provide strength to others as they navigate their lives.

The disciples had their scars, and so do we. While it is unlikely that any of us will face death for our faith, no one can go through life without acquiring a few scars along the way. Some may be self-inflicted; others may be entirely beyond our control, but all of us bear scars. We often prefer to avoid acquiring any more and would do almost anything to steer clear of the pain that leads to those scars.

So, what do we do with our scars? Do we let them dictate our lives, or do we use them to help others?

When we allow our scars to control us, we become anxious and frightened, hiding our weaknesses and limitations behind locked doors. But when we use our scars to assist others, we communicate through our actions—not just our words—"Peace, be still." In essence, we breathe the Spirit of Christ into others. We pass on the breath of God—not through our strength, but through our weakness and scars