Children’s Sermon

John 20:19-31

Peace be with You

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John 20:19-31

Peace be with You

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Object suggested: Musical instruments. Two instrumentalists are needed who will play a short duet suited to children.

Jesus appeared to his disciples after he died and three times he said to them,“Peace be to you”(20:19, 21, and 26). I think this is something he really wanted his disciples and us to hear.

Let’s see if we can figure out what the word peace means. I’ve asked two musicians from our church to play a tune for you. Listen and tell me what you think. (The instrumentalists play loudly, a short song using discordant notes.)

How does that make you feel? Yes, the music is not harmonious. It sounds awful and may make you feel uncomfortable. You just want it to stop.

Now let’s ask our musicians to play notes that fit together and are in tune with each other. Isn’t that better? Don’t you feel more content?

Peace is a good feeling. It is like the feeling you have when you listen to beautiful music or see a lovely painting, or have just taken a warm bath and are lying in a comfortable bed. You feel as if you don’t have a care in the world. You feel relaxed and content.

Where does Jesus want the peace to be? Yes, he said,“Peace be to you.” That means with you and me – with each one of us. He even tells us how to receive his peace. He said,“Don’t be unbelieving, but believing” (20:27). He asks us to believe that he was sent by God to give each one of us love and peace. Listen and feel the peace of God’s love.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2007, Richard Niell Donovan