 But it also signifies the peace that Jesus wanted to bring in terms of reconciliation with those who had let him down. Don't forget, when he appeared to the apostles, they were probably afraid not only of the authorities, but also that Jesus might never forgive them. When he saw them, they were probably thinking, man, we let him down. We ran away. We didn't defend him. When he was carrying his cross, we weren't there. At the foot of the cross, only John showed up and Mary appeared.