The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:19–20 NKJV
Several days before this event, the Lord told the disciples not to be troubled, and that He left His peace with them (Jn. 14:27; 16:33).
Some still doubted following the resurrection. Even so the Lord wanted them to have this peace, so much so that He came and appeared to them again eight days later when Thomas was present. He wanted all of the disciples to enjoy this peace, not gladness so much, but peace.
What did He do to give them this peace? He revealed Himself to them in an undeniable way that it was He, their Lord. He showed them that He had risen from the dead, that He had endured the cross, and that He was alive. Three men were crucified that day, but only one had a wound in His side; this was proof that it was He.
When Thomas saw Him, the Lord invited him to put his hand into His side. Thomas then exclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” The marks of His immeasurable love for them were sufficient. Thomas now had peace; so it is for us. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind, is stayed on You.” Yes, we too pass through various circumstances in our life that trouble our heart and take away our peace; but may we look to the Lord. May we fix our eyes on Him, on the nail prints in His hands and the place in His side, and remember that He loved us so much that He suffered so deeply—and we know why. Filling our eyes and hearts with Him gives us peace.