Later on that day of Christ’s resurrection, He appeared to the disciples. John records:
“So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. “If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.” (John 20:19–23, NASB95)
There are several themes in these few verses. The disciple’s fear was changed to joy when they saw Jesus. They evidently weren’t quite sure what to make of Mary’s report. Jesus offers four distinct words to them
Peace be with you. In some ways, this echoes the words of the angels to the shepherds of Bethlehem – fear not. But there is more. Surely Jesus’ words were meant to calm their fears. But then He says it a second time. These are also words of invitation and normalcy. Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27, NASB95)
I am sending you. Jesus, in essence, commissions the disciples and sends them out with the same message of God’s love and peace, and wholeness they had witnessed. It is from this that they began to be called apostles, which literally means “sent ones.”
Receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit is connected with wind and breath from the very beginning of Genesis. In English, this seems like a passive statement. But in Greek, the word “receive” in this verse is active and a command. More on that in a bit.
Forgive. The last of the four themes is the authority to forgive sins. Or, more precisely, to speak forgiveness through the finished work of Christ on the cross. This was new ground for the disciples. Previously, God’s forgiveness could only be declared by the priests. Jesus demonstrated His own authority to forgive when the paralytic was lowered through the roof and healed. Now, Jesus deputizes the disciples with that same authority.
Jesus speaks these same words to all who believe and follow Him. He speaks peace to us in the midst of our fear, turmoil, and joy. For many, that feeling of peace is the first thing they experience when they receive Christ as Lord and Savior. But there is also an atmosphere of peace that should surround and fill believers.
In a variety of ways, Jesus also sends us out. For some, that may mean the distance between our front door and that of a neighbor. For others, it may mean traveling the world. Wherever we go, is a sent-to place. Whether that is our school, workplace, marketplace, or anywhere else. But we are all sent out to continue the ministry of Jesus to those around us.
Continuing Christ’s ministry is not on our own power, authority, or wits. It is always through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, NASB95) We are the People of His Presence. We don’t always know from day to day how the Spirit will lead us.
In the presence of the Spirit, there is a continual and active attitude of receiving. Going back to the word Jesus used, it is an active and continual command. How do we actively receive? By being willing and eager for the Spirit to move us any way that He wills.
Let me illustrate that willingness this way. I have an old-style windmill that was once used to pump water. When the vane is closed, it keeps the mill part out of the wind. But when the vane is open, it keeps the mill pointed into the wind. That whole mechanism is free to move 360 degrees. Actively receiving the Spirit means having a willingness to move in any direction. But it is also possible to become rusted in place and only receive the power of the Spirit when it blows in a single way.
Lastly, we as believers also carry the ministry and message of forgiveness. Too often, we judge who is worthy instead of recognizing that Christ has already forgiven them – if they will receive it. We need to pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness whenever we see the sins of others.
Peace, purpose, empowerment, and forgiveness are not just things granted to the upper room disciples. They are also given to all who follow Jesus so that His ministry continues to every nook and cranny of this world.
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