I sing the mighty power of God
Rejoice ye pure in heart
My Jesus I love you
Break thou the bread of life
Peace perfect peace in this dark world of sin
Lord dismiss us with thy blessing
Praise ye the Lord, for it is good
(John 20:19-23 ESV)
Consider the events the last week of Jesus' life. The joy of his arrival. The quiet supper. Then the denial, the condemnation, the death and he burial. Then the reports that Jesus was alive. Could it be true?
But the disciples are hiding. They are scared the Jewish leaders will be after them. Most of the disciples were there and some of the followers. In a locked room. Then Jesus was there.
And he said to the "peace with you". This was a normal greeting of the time. But one has to consider that Jesus didn't normally have regular greetings recorded. Then Jesus said it again. Saying it twice has meaning.
He showed them his hands and side to show them what he did for them. They could be at peace. He reminded them that he purchased peace from God.
Now when God sees us he sees the cross of Jesus. So we now have peace with God.
So we don't need to be troubled, or discouraged, or upset.
Jesus is the only one who can break down the walls of hostility between people. This is why division within church is so bad. Sometimes it is needed..such as when people turn from the word of God. But the petty bickering.....not good.
Jesus gives us peace.
He sends us into the world.
He gives us the Holy Spirit.
We can do what Jesus did. Meeting their physical and spiritual needs. We can show them love.
We can only do this through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can feel inadequate and not capable.
And that's how it should be. We need to lean on the Holy Spirit.
Our primary task is to tell others about Christ. We are to proclaim forgiveness of sins. In the name of Jesus.
We have the right to proclaim people are forgiven in Jesus.
Why does it seem as though John doesn't know about Pentecost.
This act is the foretaste of their need for the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is pointing them to Pentecost. He gives them the spirit to help them further their understanding of what he'll be teaching them this week.
Remember this. Jesus is the one who brings peace. Go to him when you are not at peace.