The Jesus Podcast

Episode: Peace Be With You
Host: Pray.com
Date: September 17, 2025

Overview

This episode, titled "Peace Be With You," immerses listeners in the emotionally charged period following Jesus' crucifixion. Set on the eve of the Resurrection narrative, the podcast dramatizes the disciples’ fear, confusion, and grief—ultimately culminating in Jesus’ miraculous post-resurrection appearance and the profound peace he offers them. The episode explores complex themes: the real meaning of peace as Jesus defines it, coping with fear, and the transformative power of new life in Christ through receiving the Holy Spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Disciples' Fear and Despair

• Setting: The episode opens with the disciples locked in a house, traumatized by Jesus's crucifixion and disoriented by conflicting reports of his resurrection ([00:00]).
  • “Their hopes were dashed when Jesus died. Even with rumors of his return, their resolve was shaken...They were tightly wound, suspended in a space between faith and fear.”
• Personal Reactions:
  • Peter is silent and isolated, wrestling with guilt.
  • Matthew tries to write down memories but is blocked by grief.
  • Andrew brings news of rumors and danger.
  • Simon, once a zealot, reverts to old defensive instincts ([07:00]).

2. The Rising Tensions and Internal Conflict

• Escalation: The disciples, anxious and frightened, begin to turn on each other:
  • Simon: “We have to consider all our options. Things could turn ugly quickly…We must discuss leaving this place. Perhaps Samaria, somewhere the Romans would never expect us to be.” ([07:30])
  • Matthew notes there’s nowhere they can hide from Roman suspicion ([07:49]).
  • Conflict comes to a head with accusations and blame, especially Simon challenging Peter’s silence ([08:48]).

3. Jesus Appears: “Peace Be With You”

• Miraculous Entrance: Amidst the turmoil, Jesus appears suddenly with the words, “Peace be with you.” ([09:35])
  • “The same smile curled up the side of his cheeks and his hazel eyes gazed at them with familiar warmth and wisdom. Yet there was something profoundly different about him. He was draped in splendor. Holiness emanated from him…” ([09:37])
• Disciples' Response: Overcome with disbelief, awe, and joy. John and Simon react emotionally; Peter remains frozen, bound by shame ([10:27]).
  • “He held their shoulders and gripped them tightly. The wounds on his hands were still there, evidence of his battle with death and darkness. And proof of his victory.” ([10:27–11:59])

4. The Gift of the Holy Spirit

• Jesus Commissions the Disciples:
  • Jesus: “As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.” ([11:59])
  • In a symbolic act echoing the creation of Adam, Jesus breathes on the disciples: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” ([12:04])
    • This signifies new spiritual life and sets the stage for their future boldness.
  • Jesus: “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” ([12:58])
• Peter’s Struggle: Jesus’ glance at Peter underscores unresolved guilt; Jesus disappears before Peter can seek personal reconciliation ([13:06]).

5. Reflection on Peace and Coping Mechanisms

• Host Commentary: The host unpacks the biblical concept of peace, emphasizing it is not mere comfort or absence of trouble but the sustaining presence of Jesus.
  • “The peace Jesus offers is more potent and meaningful than a comfy life. It’s a life of purpose.” ([05:35])
  • “Peace is not the absence of conflict, it’s the presence of Jesus in the conflict.” ([15:45])
• Analogy of Simon’s Dagger:
  • Simon’s return to carrying a dagger symbolizes how, in anxiety, people revert to old habits or coping mechanisms ([15:45]).
  • “We all have coping mechanisms, bad habits or past sins that bring us comfort in times of stress and anxiety…Today, I want to encourage you to run to Jesus.” ([15:45])
• Scriptural Anchor:
  • The host references 2 Corinthians 5:17:
    • “Whoever puts their faith in Jesus is a new creation. The old habits, sins, substances, and coping mechanisms that once defined us have passed away. You’re a new person in Christ Jesus.” ([15:45])

6. Anticipation for Next Episode

• The Case of Thomas:
  • The episode closes hinting at the next chapter, focusing on “Doubting Thomas,” and confronting doubt and the need for evidence ([21:01]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Resurrection’s Impact:
  • Narrator: “Their house in Galilee, typically a haven, now felt like a temple. Their shattered dreams, each attempt at conversation, ended in a poignant reminder of their loss.” ([00:00])
• On Peace:
  • Jesus: “Peace be with you.” ([09:35], [11:59])
  • Host: “The peace Jesus gives us is a calm in the midst of the storm and an anchor that holds us down when the winds and waves rage.” ([15:45])
• On New Creation:
  • Host: “They are now new creations in Christ Jesus. The old man Adam brought us destruction, darkness, and shame. But the new man, Jesus, brings us life, light, and purpose.” ([15:45])
• On Reacting to Trauma:
  • Host: “Simon had put down the dagger when he started to follow Jesus. But now that Jesus is gone and he’s afraid, he picks up the dagger again.” ([15:45])
• On Coping and Identity:
  • Host: “He doesn’t preach peace to us, he declares it over us as a reality. Peace be with you. He wants peace to be our enduring identity.” ([15:45])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — Disciples’ fear and the set-up after the crucifixion
• 05:35 — Host introduces theme of true peace vs. worldly comfort
• 06:23–09:35 — Dramatic tensions among disciples, culminating in Jesus’ sudden appearance
• 09:35–12:58 — Jesus’ greeting, the disciples’ reactions, the giving of the Holy Spirit
• 15:45 — Host’s reflection on biblical peace, coping mechanisms, and transformation in Christ

Tone & Language

The episode blends cinematic narrative with personal commentary, using vivid storytelling and intimate reflection. The language is immersive, emotive, and laced with theological insight. There’s a tangible sense of awe, vulnerability, and hope throughout, inviting listeners to see themselves in the disciples’ struggles and Jesus’ offer of abiding peace.

Summary

"Peace Be With You" masterfully dramatizes the disciples’ turbulent emotions following Christ’s crucifixion: fear, regret, anger, and confusion—all giving way to hope and transformation at the risen Jesus’s appearance. The episode exposes the futility of worldly peace and coping strategies, offering listeners instead the deep, sustaining peace that only Christ’s presence and the Holy Spirit can bring. Through its creative retelling and rich reflection, this episode stands as an encouragement for anyone wrestling with fear, regret, or anxiety to find new identity and enduring stability in Jesus.