Scripture: John 20:19-23
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.'”
Reflection:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most powerful events in human history. However, what happened after this divine moment is equally significant for it laid down a new path for humanity’s salvation.
On that Sunday evening following his resurrection, Jesus appeared amongst his fearful disciples who had locked themselves away. His arrival in their midst was not just evidence of His victory over death but His reassurance that they were not alone – it was a promise to be present in their lives always.
Jesus told them ‘Peace be with you’, not once but twice. This wasn’t an ordinary greeting; it was a gift from Jesus Himself – a peace which transcends all understanding; a peace that takes away fear and replaces it with courage; a peace which assures us we’re never alone nor abandoned in our troubles.
Then came an unexpected act – He breathed on them saying ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’. This act marked new birth and bestowed upon them divine power to continue His work on earth to forgive sins – much like how God breathed life into Adam in Genesis.
Application:
Today’s devotion calls us to remember this significant encounter post-resurrection. We’re reminded to embrace the peace offered by Christ, to let it soak into every fabric of our being. His resurrection is a mark of new beginnings.
Just like the disciples, we have been given the Holy Spirit – to guide us, empower us and use us for God’s glory. We are called upon to forgive and spread love just as Jesus did. In doing so, we continue Jesus’s work on earth and display the living proof of His resurrection within our hearts.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice and victory over death. Help us to internalize the peace that You offer, and empower us with Your Holy Spirit to forgive others as you forgave us. May we be your instruments in spreading Your love in this world. Amen.
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