Message from Jonathan Medina, First Grade Teacher West Valley

After Jesus’ death, the disciples were very fearful of the immediate future. After all, if Jesus was just killed, they were inevitably next. Sure, Mary had just said He was risen - hallelujah! - but that was just hearsay. They needed more proof before their faith would be strengthened. So, to prove it, Jesus decided to drop by Himself…

John 20:19-21 says, “In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim [disciples] were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua [Jesus] came, stood in the middle and said, "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]"… "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]" Yeshua [Jesus] repeated. "Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you." Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit]!”

Jesus knew the Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was approaching and Jesus knew the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] was going to fall and create great revival that would sweep the planet. However, Jesus also knew 50 days was a long time for the disciples to wait, especially in apprehension and fear of the immediate future. So, Jesus did two things to help His friends. First, He spoke peace upon them, “Shalom aleikhem” [Peach be with you]. He then prophetically confirmed it upon them by speaking it again, “Shalom aleikhem!” Secondly, He enabled them, no, empowered them, to believe it by breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. They were now able to make it to Shavuot [Pentecost].

How wonderful that Jesus gives us just enough to get through until that day of great outpouring of blessing! I don’t know what you’re going through or what uncertainties there may be in your immediate future, but I know there is a day of great outpouring of blessing coming! I speak “shalom aleikhem” to you today. Shalom aleikhem! Don’t lose faith, peace IS with you. May the Ruach HaKodesh empower you!

"I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom [Peace]. In the world, you have tsuris [trouble]. But be brave! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33