Peace That Leads to Worship

When Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection, his first words were, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36). Their doubts were met with evidence, and their guilt was answered by forgiveness. As we heard on Sunday, the risen Jesus offered them something no plan, no insurance policy, no career could provide: peace with God, hope beyond death itself.

Brilliant. But what do we do now? Well, today I want you to notice where Luke 24 ends. And I am sharing this with you because it is a part of my sermon preparation that hit the cutting room floor. One of the great sadnesses about preaching is you cannot say everything in every sermon but when you have a follow up blog you can say at least one more thing! So here it is!   

In Luke 24:50–52, Jesus blesses his disciples, ascends to heaven, and “they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” The natural result of peace with God is worship.

Now please don’t reduce worship to Sunday singing and praising God; the Bible paints a much bigger picture. Worship is recognising God’s worth and responding with our whole lives. Paul puts it this way in Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Worship is all of life lived for God’s glory — not just with lips, but with love, service, generosity, and obedience.

So peace with God doesn’t leave us sitting still; it propels us into joyful worship. When we know our sins are forgiven, when death has lost its sting, when Jesus is alive and reigning, life becomes an offering. Washing dishes, leading meetings, changing nappies, visiting friends, or facing hardship - it can all be worship when done in gratitude to the God who has given us peace.

The disciples left the mountain that day with joy because they had peace with God through Jesus. We too can leave our homes, workplaces, and activities each day with that same joy. Our lives are not frantic attempts to secure peace but free responses of worship because peace has already been secured for us.

So the question is not whether you will worship - we all give our time, energy, and affection to something. The question Luke 24 leaves us asking is: who will you worship? The temporary gods of success, comfort, or security? Or the risen Jesus, who gives eternal peace and calls us into joyful, all-of-life worship?

Peace with God leads to worship. That’s the pattern of the disciples, and it’s the pattern you’re invited into today. What might it look like for you? I’d love to know!