John 20:19-23
Peace Be with You
Read the passage
19It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them.
20After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
22When He had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples are together behind locked doors. They are afraid of the authorities. Jesus stands among them and says, “Peace be with you!” He shows them His hands and side, and they rejoice when they see the Lord.
The wounds identify the risen Jesus as the One who was crucified. Their joy comes from seeing Him alive. He repeats His greeting of peace and tells them that, as the Father sent Him, He is sending them.
Jesus breathes on them and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit. Their mission will depend on God's help. He then speaks of sins being forgiven or forgiveness being withheld. Christians differ about how this authority is exercised in the church, but the setting is clear: Jesus entrusts it to those He sends with His Spirit. It is a serious responsibility concerning sin and forgiveness, not permission to settle personal grudges.
The disciples receive peace, the Spirit, and a mission from the same Lord. Jesus has come to the people who are afraid behind the doors and entrusted them with work that will carry His message beyond that room.
Questions
1 What turns the disciples' fear into joy?
AnswerJesus stands among them and shows them His hands and side. They rejoice when they see the Lord.
2 How does Jesus describe their mission?
AnswerHe says that as the Father sent Him, He is sending them. Their work begins with His commission.
3 What does Jesus say after telling them to receive the Holy Spirit?
AnswerHe speaks of sins being forgiven or forgiveness being withheld. This responsibility belongs with their Spirit-enabled mission from Him.
4 How can we help someone hear the good news of forgiveness through Jesus?
AnswerWe can speak honestly about our need for forgiveness and about the Savior who died and rose again. We can invite someone to read His words with us without trying to force a response.
What This Means for Us
The disciples' mission begins with what Jesus gives them. They do not have to manufacture peace or make themselves sufficient for the task. The risen Lord comes to them and gives His Spirit.
That helps us remember what we have to share. Christian witness is more than advice for becoming a nicer person. It speaks of sin, forgiveness, and life with the crucified and risen Jesus. When we talk about faith at home, keep Him at the center of the conversation.
Pray for someone who needs to hear that forgiveness is possible through Christ. Ask God for an opportunity to listen to them and speak of Jesus plainly. Their response belongs to them; our responsibility is to be faithful with the message we have received.
Prayer
Risen Jesus, thank You for bringing peace to Your frightened disciples. Help us depend on Your Spirit as we speak of You. Make us honest about sin and glad to share the forgiveness You give. Amen.