Checking in

In this scene from The Chosen, the disciples are on the road grieving the death of John the Baptist. In their grief, they feel a range of emotions. They cry. They laugh. They wonder if that’s okay.

In moments like these, “laughter and tears are closer than ever. Emotions right under the surface.”

Andrew asks Philip: “How are you?”

A normal, everyday question, right?

But his answer is fascinating: “I am at peace.”

Just imagine being able to say that:

Hard circumstances? Peace.
Joy and celebration? Peace.
Unanswered questions? Peace.
Loss? Peace.
Gain? Peace.
When you feel Jesus close? Peace.
And when you don’t? Still peace.

Often peace feels far away, crowded out by restlessness, doubt, and busyness. What would it take to be able to respond the way Philip did?

The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom.

Shalom is not just the absence of war, unrest, violence, or fear.
Shalom is the presence of Jesus in the middle of all of it.

Unrest—yet Shalom.
Violence—yet Shalom.
Fear—yet Shalom.

In John 20, the disciples are anxious. Restless. They lock themselves away behind closed doors. And what does Jesus do? He comes and speaks Shalom – peace.

And, He not only wishes peace. He actually gives them His peace, and with it, a mission. He sends them out to bring His peace to the world. And that wasn’t just for them back then. It’s still true for us today.

So next time someone asks you: “How are you?” What will your answer be?

Reflection Questions

• How are you really doing?
• How have you experienced Jesus’ peace in the midst of hard circumstances? What might be standing in the way?
• Do you also know that Jesus sends you on a mission? What does that mean for you?

Prayer

"Lord Jesus, thank You that in the middle of unrest, problems, violence, and pain You come with peace - Shalom. I admit I need that so deeply. Lord, come! I invite You to fill me with Your peace - not just today, but every day. Stay close, Lord, and fill me. That is my prayer. And Lord, You have sent me. Help me to pass on that peace, that I may be a bringer of Shalom in Your name. Amen."