Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19,20,22
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:19-23, where Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks to bring peace of mind (vv19, 21) to the disciples, first that it is truly Him, so He shows them (v20) the wounds to His hands and side (which was pierced) as He hung on the cross. Peace of mind was important as well because of persecution of the those identified to be followers of Jesus - if Jesus could be put to death so could anyone associated with Him. Jesus gives us peace - even in the darkest moments. He is Light (see also John 1:4, 8:12). Jesus sought to give this peace of mind certainly through His physical presence, but also through the Holy Spirit which He gave to the disciples by breathing on them (v22). Jesus then shares that forgiveness can be given or withheld in v23 although multiple reads of this verse give me pause to discern whether the "it" being withheld is forgiveness or the Holy Spirit from v22. See also this John Piper message for more on this verse.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Following Jesus does have a cost as persecution comes in many forms. The disciples face imprisonment, physical harm, and even death - as such they locked the doors (v19).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid fear and worry as this will cascade into other sins. Claim the promise that Jesus provides us the Holy Spirit and we can never be separated from His love. Follow the example of those who followed Jesus at great cost - pick up your cross daily and follow Him. Trust Him as He is the Good Shepherd who loves, cares, and saves.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves. I am not deserving of how You save and provide peace - and I know that I can never be separated from Your love. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
