BEYOND AN EMPTY TOMB

 

APRIL 11, 2023

JOHN 20:19-23

 

19 When it was evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with

the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them,

“Peace be with you.”

20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side. So the disciples rejoiced

when they saw the Lord.

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After

saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of

any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

 

 

Note the first words Jesus spoke to them. Consider their purpose and remember their background. Jesus knew (of course) that they had betrayed and abandoned Him. He even knew about Peter’s three denials of Him the night of His trial, but He did not bring up any of it. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have. We would not have been shocked if Jesus had immediately rebuked them,  but His first words were, “Peace to you.” In fact, He said it twice (vv.19, 21)!

You see this reminds us that Jesus’ heart toward us is full of mercy and grace and affection. Look to verse 21 and see Jesus lovingly put His disciples to work. He is now sending them out just as He was sent.

Then, verse 22 says that He breathed upon them. I want you to know that when God breathes this way, the dead are brought to life. It is by the breath of God that the universe was spoken into existence out of nothingness. This same holy breath brought the vision of the valley of dry bones to its feet in Ezekiel 37.

Ask God for this same breath upon your life today, well, everyday!