Introduction
In John 20, we witness a pivotal moment in the Easter narrative as Jesus appears alive to His disciples after His resurrection. Following Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Risen Lord, this passage marks the third occurrence of Christ revealing Himself. In this account, Jesus comes to the assembled disciples, instilling peace in their fearful hearts and affirming their mission. His message emphasizes the transformational new life that Easter brings, urging us to rethink our purpose in following Him.
Main Points
When Jesus Greets His Disciples He
When Jesus greets His disciples, He immediately speaks peace to them. He says, "Peace be with you," underscoring the profound importance of peace in our relationship with God and each other.
- He demonstrates His physical resurrection by showing them His hands and side, which reinforces the idea that the resurrection is not merely spiritual but profoundly real and tangib.
- As Jesus offers this peace, He sends them into the world as agents of reconciliation, "As the Father has sent me, I also send you." This charge to the disciples extends beyond their.
- Our mission as followers of Christ is rooted in this same call to share peace through our lives.
- The resurrection of Jesus heralds a new beginning not only for Him but for us as well.
The Disciples Initially Comprehend Their Mission
The disciples initially comprehend their mission in a restrained sense, thinking primarily of their own nation's peace, but Jesus expands their vision. They are called to reach beyond their familiar boundaries into the Gentile world, representing a transformational outreach.
- The eventual sending of Peter to Cornelius is a case in point.
- The mission of the Church is expansive; it is meant to engage with all humanity, affirming dignity and extending forgiveness to those who might be seen as enemies.
- Our role as imitators of Christ requires us to embrace this same broad mission of making peace and sharing the good news without boundaries.
- As Jesus breathes on His disciples, He imparts the Holy Spirit, essential for carrying out their mission.
This Act Symbolizes Empowerment Indicating That
This act symbolizes empowerment, indicating that their ability to perform the mission is not by their strength but through His spirit. In Acts 2, we see the fulfillment of this promise at Pentecost, where the disciples receive the Spirit in a powerful way, enabling them to preach the gospel effectively. This promise is not exclusive to the apostles; it extends to all believers today. We are reminded that fulfilling our purpose as Christ’s representatives requires empowered living through the Holy Spirit, guiding our actions and influencing our relationships. Imitating Christ comes with a significant challenge, He lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law in ways we cannot on our own. It's easy to feel discouraged in the face of such a daunting task.
However We Can Take Solace In
However, we can take solace in the understanding that our ability to live as we are called does not rely on our own merit but on the empowerment from Jesus through the Holy Spirit. As William Temple notes, we cannot replicate Jesus' life by our own efforts; however, by inviting the Spirit into our lives, we become capable of reflecting His character in our actions. This realization should prompt us to lean into dependence on God rather than striving in our frailties. To live as Jesus lived and carry forward His mission in the world, we must commit to prayer. The simple yet revolutionary practice of praying for the filling of the Holy Spirit ignites our ability to follow His example. In Luke 11, Jesus teaches that God is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
We Need The Spirit S Guidance
We need the Spirit's guidance to navigate our daily lives and embody the loving, forgiving nature of our Savior. Practicing prayer invites God's presence actively into our experience, transforming how we interact with others and respond to challenges. As we consider these teachings, it's essential to recognize that each of us is uniquely positioned to be a peacemaker in our environments. In our families, workplaces, and communities, we are called to live out the peace of Christ. This means not only forgiving those who may have wronged us but also proactively seeking ways to build bridges rather than walls. The story from Egypt, where a widow forgives her husband’s murderer, exemplifies what it means to live in the light of the resurrection.
Such Radical Forgiveness And Peace-Making Should
Such radical forgiveness and peace-making should be our hallmark as we reflect Christ in the world.
Conclusion
In this passage, we are reminded that following Jesus means extending the peace we receive from Him to others, embracing a mission that reflects His love and forgiveness. As we recognize our limitations, we also acknowledge the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit that enables us to live as Christ's ambassadors. Moving forward, may we engage in prayer, asking for the Spirit to fill us so we can genuinely imitate Jesus and fulfill the calling placed upon each of us as members of His body.