John 20:19-23 (NRSV)
Read John 20:19-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Verse 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Verse 21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Verse 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Verse 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Devotion
What a contrast to the account of the outpouring of the Spirit in the book of Acts. There was no rushing wind or tongues of fire. There was no confusion or bewilderment. There was no apology for the actions of those gathered. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
We sometimes think that when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives it has to be some miraculous event, where everything suddenly becomes crystal clear. This text says otherwise. This was the promised Spirit that Jesus said the Father would send in his name. And the Spirit teaches us, reminds us of Jesus’ words, guides us into all truth, prays for us, testifies on behalf of Jesus and sets our minds on peace and life. Jesus breathes and we live. Thanks be to God.
Prayer
Almighty God, you fulfilled the promise of Easter by sending your gift of the Holy Spirit. Give us the strength to breathe in your spirit every moment, so that we may praise your name in joy and thanksgiving. Amen.