19 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.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if ou withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Discussion Questions:
What do you think caused the disciples fear to turn into joy/gladness? What application can we draw from this?
The first thing Jesus does when he arrives inside is extend to his disciples peace. What is the significance of Jesus extending to his disciples peace twice before he sends them out in verse 21?
Jesus is sending out his disciples in the same way that the Father sent him. How was Jesus sent? What implications does that have for how we are sent?
Our passage today is the fulfillment of all of Jesus’ previous promises (John 14:18-20, 25-29; 15:18-19, 26-27, and 16:19-22). What does that mean for the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Jesus’ word?