Perfect Peace, Perfect Unity
By Family Minister, Dr. Brandon Steenbock
John 20:21 – Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
“Again.” Notice how Jesus repeats himself. He’s gently insisting we pay attention, that we catch every word. But all he says is, “Peace be with you.” Could that really be so significant?
It is if we grasp the full weight of what he means by “peace.” The Greek word translated as peace likely comes from a root meaning “to join together.” Picture two things once whole, painfully broken apart, finally reunited.
A fractured relationship. Hurtful words exchanged. Careless actions taken. Spiteful thoughts lurking quietly beneath the surface. Walls of separation silently built, forming chasms of betrayal and mistrust. You’ve felt this pain.
Yet have you also experienced the breathtaking relief, the tender tears of joy, when forgiveness is extended, apologies received, and relationships restored? This is precisely what Jesus offers—restoration, reunion, reconciliation with God himself.
Notice what Jesus says next: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” For a moment, set aside the mission embedded in his words and linger instead on the unity they reveal. Jesus and the Father share a perfect harmony: unity of mission, purpose, vision, and priority. Jesus gently whispers, “The unity I have with my Father? That unity is now yours with me.”
We can only really cherish this unity if we acknowledge that it was lost. Our careless actions grieved God’s heart. Our harsh words wounded fellow bearers of his image. Our hidden resentments distorted our understanding of his love. Our relationship with God was shattered.
But these words of Jesus come after his death and resurrection. He’s repaired what was broken. He’s restored the relationship. He brought peace and reunion with our heavenly Father. Now he lovingly invites, “Just as the Father and I share perfect unity, now you share that same unity with us.”
Peace. Relationship restored. Invited now into divine unity and a divine mission, vision, priority, and purpose.