John 20:19-23


"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'" (John 20:19-23 ESV)


The Risen Christ Brings Peace

In this passage, we encounter the disciples hiding in fear after the crucifixion of Jesus. The risen Christ appears in the midst of their fear and uncertainty, greeting them with the words, "Peace be with you." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the deep, abiding peace that comes from Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The wounds on His hands and side are a testimony to His sacrifice, and His resurrection is the proof of His victory. For the believer, Jesus brings peace into the very midst of our fear and confusion, reminding us that through Him we are victorious over all that threatens us.

This peace also speaks to the reconciliation we now have with God through Christ’s finished work on the cross. No longer enemies of God, we are now at peace with Him (Romans 5:1). This peace, carried by the Holy Spirit, guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7) as we navigate the trials of this life. Jesus brings peace into our troubled hearts by reminding us of His presence, power, and the finality of His victory.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 26:3, Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15


Sent with a Mission

After declaring peace, Jesus commissions His disciples: "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." Just as Jesus was sent by the Father with a mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God, to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many, so too are we sent as His followers. This mission is not something we take up in our own strength. It is a continuation of Jesus’ own mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bring the message of salvation and the light of Christ to the world.

This call to mission is for every believer. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, making Him known in word and deed. Our mission, like Jesus’, is to serve others, to proclaim the good news of the gospel, and to walk in obedience to the will of the Father. This cannot be done apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who equips us with boldness, wisdom, and the love necessary to fulfill our calling.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, John 17:18


Receive the Holy Spirit

In verse 22, Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This moment is significant as it foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit is the promised Helper (John 14:16-17), sent to empower the disciples to live out their mission and to walk in obedience to God. Through the Spirit, believers are transformed, equipped with spiritual gifts, and given boldness to testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The breathing of the Holy Spirit into the disciples recalls the creation account, where God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). In the same way, the Holy Spirit brings new spiritual life to the believer, enabling us to live as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This indwelling of the Spirit is crucial for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in the mission Christ has given us.

Scriptures to Study:

John 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4, Ezekiel 36:26-27


The Power of Forgiveness

Finally, Jesus speaks of the authority given to His followers regarding forgiveness: "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld." This statement emphasizes the power of the gospel message. When the message of Christ is proclaimed and received, forgiveness of sins is granted through faith in Jesus. As ambassadors of Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), calling people to repentance and faith in Jesus.

This authority is not about personal power, but rather about faithfully proclaiming the gospel. The forgiveness of sins is God’s work through Christ, and we participate in this work by sharing the message of the gospel. The Holy Spirit works through the gospel message to convict hearts, leading people to repentance and the assurance of forgiveness in Christ.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 16:19, Luke 24:46-48, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Acts 10:43


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions