36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. (Luke 24)
In the Upper Room, Jesus had promised His disciples and unsurpassed peace - one only He could give. Over the past few days their lives had been anything but peaceful: His annoucements of going away, the strain of praying in the garden, the betrayal, trial and execution of Jesus: these all left them unsettled and depressed. One word changes everything: Peace - that inner calm that all is well and right, even though things are not yet "fully resolved". God is in control after all; He does know what He is doing; He has what we really need in store. Peace overrules fear and doubt; when they pop up, peace controls them, because peace comes with the presence of Christ, and He is here even when we cannot see Him. He has been here all along.
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