I’m reading through this book by James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken this Easter season. It’s a great reminder of why Jesus said and did the things He did. Here are just a few quotes from the book. The first group is from the traditional seven last words of Christ on the cross.

What follows is an excerpt from one of the seven things Jesus said after His resurrection, focusing on the peace that only Jesus can bring.

“Here are two great facts about human existence. First, human beings have a deep longing for peace. Second, we are always at war, the war of every man against every man.”

“Jesus Christ is the peacemaker. He is the God-man who came to this earth to make peace between God and humanity. The prophets called Him the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). When the angels announced His birth they said, “And on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14, KJV). When Jesus walked on this earth, He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…. Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27). When His disciples went into hiding, locking themselves up in an inner room, the risen Christ came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19).
Jesus gave His disciples a double dose of peace. First, He gave them peace when they were afraid, when they were meeting behind closed doors. Then He gave it to them a second time when they rejoiced at His resurrection: “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you!’” (John 20:20-21). “Peace” is Jesus’ word for both the fearful and the joyful. It is a word for everyone who is restless.”