Our scripture text is John 20:19-23. We will be looking at some words Jesus said to His disciples just after His resurrection. These five verses can be viewed as a summation of the Christian life. Here are some discussion points for further reflection.

Point 1. To Rest in The Peace We Have With God Through Jesus’ Wounds

First read John 20:19-20.

In John 19:30, Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” as He died on the cross. Read Hebrews 10:10-14; 18. Going back to John 19:30, what do you think Jesus meant when He said, “It is finished”?

Read Isaiah 53:4-5.

Now consider again John 20:19-20 and Jesus’ words and actions (showing them his wounds). How can you relate what he said and did with the disciples to Isaiah 53?

Knowing that we all will suffer, battle with our sin, and ultimately die in this life, how can you find joy in Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you,” as He pointed out His wounds?

Point 2. So We Might Share This Message of Peace With One Another and the Lost

Jesus said that He was sending the disciples as the Father had sent Him, to proclaim the message of God’s Son. Then in verse 23, He said, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Now read John 3:16-18 and consider, as the disciples were sent out to proclaim the good news of Jesus, what will be the ultimate arbiter of whether someone’s sins are forgiven or not?

Consider, is there someone among your believing friends in the church, or believing friends outside our church, that you can encourage with the good news that Jesus has finished paying for all of their sins and has proclaimed, “Peace be with you”? Ask God to help you encourage them.

Consider, is there someone you know who does not know Christ and has not believed His good news of forgiveness of sins through faith in Him? Likewise, spend some time in prayer asking God to open their eyes to Jesus and ask Him to help you be part of that.

Point 3. All By the Power of the Indwelling Holy Spirit

Read Gen 2:7. Now consider, why do you think Jesus breathed on the disciples? What was He communicating?

Read John 7:37-40. Jesus’ “glorification” in this context refers to the completion of His work of dying, rising, and then ascending to His Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit is now available to all who will put their hope in Jesus Christ, trust Him as their Savior, and look to Him as their strength to follow Him.

We have no power to live for Christ without His Holy Spirit. Take some time today to express your need for the Holy Spirit to help you be “a sent one” for Jesus; sent at home, sent at work, and sent everywhere else. Trust the Lord to be good to His promise and to strengthen you by His Holy Spirit.