And with that, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 
(John 20: 22-23)

John 20:19-23

I came across a comical analogy of the disciples’ experience of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit over them.

“Dale Bruner always elicited a chuckle from the class at this point in John 20 when he reaches a certain part in the story’s re-telling only to reach into his pocket and then pull out a little aerosol can of breath freshener.  After giving his mouth a couple squirts, he then goes around the room, exhaling into everyone’s faces as he re-enacts Jesus’ breathing out of the Holy Spirit onto the disciples!” (Taken from Scott Hoezee’s John 20:19-23 sermon commentary)

Jesus has a heart for us! That heart is to serve, love, pray for us, and prepare our future. 

Jesus gives us peace with God that spreads throughout our lives no matter how bad things are going.

Jesus gives us a mission, a purpose. We — the church — get to represent Jesus in this world, offering his salvation to anyone who wants it. We get to announce the Gospel. Our lives matter, and our purpose matters.

Jesus gives us his Holy Spirit as a helper and reminder of his presence within us. The Holy Spirit empowers, helps, and walks alongside us. All who trust Jesus receive this gift.

You are invited today to welcome God's peace and the power of the Holy Spirit so that you may go out into the world and spread the Good News.
 

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

Gracious Lord, 
Thank you for the heart of Jesus, who gives us peace, a mission, and the Holy Spirit. 
May we receive these gifts and bring glory to your name. 
Amen.

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