Scripture
Primary passage
John 20:22–23
Primary passage · World English Bible
The command
Hear what Jesus commands.
Receive the Holy Spirit for the risen Jesus' mission of peace, witness, and faithful announcement of forgiveness.
In context
Hear the whole passage.
The risen Jesus enters the fearful disciples' locked room, gives peace, sends them as the Father sent Him, breathes the Spirit, and speaks of forgiveness.
What this reveals
What this reveals about God.
Jesus forms a Spirit-empowered, sent community that carries His peace and handles the message of forgiveness with holy responsibility.
Practice this command
Take one concrete step.
Begin one act of witness or reconciliation by asking the Holy Spirit for Jesus' peace, courage, truth, and wisdom rather than relying on pressure or control.
Discuss
Talk about it.
How do the Spirit, Jesus' sending, peace, and the responsibility surrounding forgiveness belong together?
Pray
Pray this.
Risen Jesus, breathe your Spirit into us. Fill us with peace, courage, holiness, and wisdom for the mission you entrust to us.
Teach
Teach it simply.
Acknowledge Christian differences about the church's authority in verse 23; do not turn it into personal power to control salvation or conceal wrongdoing.
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