19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
22And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- Imagine you are in the room with the disciples: What are you thinking and feeling as Jesus appears before you? When was the last time you felt “overjoyed?”
- Can you remember your favorite sermon? Is there a speech, a class, a conversation, or words spoken to you that you still remember? Who said them to you and what was the impact? (For example: My Mom said, “Bloom where you are planted,” and somehow that phrase got stuck in the back of my mind. My seminary professor, Dr. Nagle asked the Law/Gospel question, “Who’s Doing the Doing?” I now read scripture through that lens.)
- God’s entire plan has been accomplished, and the resurrection was announced, in the miraculous moment when Jesus appears to his disciples. These are the words Jesus spoke that would be burned into the minds of his disciples (like a video tape playing in their minds) for the rest of their lives. What is the content of Jesus’ simple message?
- What difference did Jesus’ resurrection make in the lives of His disciples? In yours?
- Jesus greets His disciples with words of peace. What did that mean to them in that moment?
- Jesus said, “As the Father sent me, I am sending you.” Where or to whom do you think God is “sending” you?
- Read Romans 5:1-2. How does Paul talk about Peace, and do you have that peace? How does it impact your life?
(Additional readings about peace: Matthew 6:25-31; John 16:33; Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 1:21; and 4:12-13) - God’s entire plan comes down to “Forgiveness!” When do you think you should forgive, and when should you withhold forgiveness?
Prayer
Father in heaven, your entire plan was to forgive our sins so that nothing could separate us from your love. Let me hear Jesus speaking to me that my sins are truly forgiven. Help me to find the peace that Jesus gives as I lay my guilt and shame and fears and failures before you. Empower me to live like I have been sent by you to bring the Good News of Jesus’ life and death and resurrection to the people you have placed in my life. Convince me and reassure me that my faith in Jesus is built upon the incredible reality of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus, open my eyes and ears to the people you place in my path who need forgiveness and peace that I have come to know as I follow you.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: peace | Transliterated Word: Eirene (i-rah-nay)
Probably from a primary verb, eiro (to join); peace (literal or figurative); (by implication) prosperity:– friendly, peace, + reconcile, safe.
“Peace to you [eirene humin],” meaning every good wish
Family Engagement Activity
Today, give peace to a situation by forgiving someone.
Going Activities To Consider
Today, give peace to a situation by forgiving someone.
Going Deeper: One of the Six Key Teachings of the Christian Faith is Forgiveness – Luther called it the Office of the Keys. Read the section on the Office of the Keys in Luther’s Catechism and think about how that is a part of our worship together and how it is a part of your daily life. (Additional verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 9:37-38; Mark 5:19; Luke 19:10; John 17:15-18; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Colossians 1:24; 1 John 1:1-4)