(7/6/21) When Jesus Breathed Out - Bible Study
A STUDY IN BIBLE INTERPRETATION:
When Jesus Breathed Out
Passage: John 20:19-23
Read John 20:19-23
Here is the scene: The disciples are hiding in a room, scared. The door is locked. In the back of all of their minds, they know what they did to their teacher. Quietly running through all their thoughts, "Is it true what Mary said? Is he truly alive?" At that moment, Jesus appears before them, and their universe split in two. Before their eyes have time to focus, Jesus pronounces, "Peace be with you." He raises his hands and points to his side—the evidence to prove his claim.
These scars represent the Father's anger he endured on their behalf. All their sin, including the abandonment of Jesus, are covered. Jesus never once mentions what was required of them. He only pronounces their new status before the Father, peace. This peace is not related to what they have done or not done, but what Jesus did for them. In dying for their sins and in perfectly obeying the Father.
Question: What about John 20:19-20 brings you hope and encouragement?
For a second time, Jesus pronounces, "Peace be to you" before he gives them their new mission. It is not clean up their act, to try harder next time, or an "if you prove yourself worthy" statement. He gives no requirement other than you have peace. With this new status, you will continue what the Father sent me here to do. Jesus then does something extremely unique, but powerful. He reminds them where life and power come from. He breathes upon them.
"What we have here is an "acted parable," a visible action of Jesus that reveals a coming event. (Table Talk).
They now have two reasons to believe they can accomplish what the Father has tasked them to do: Christ earned their forgiveness on the cross, and now Christ is empowering them by giving them the Spirit to carry out this mission. This is a parable pointing to the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Again, what did the disciples bring to this newfound mission? Nothing other than believing Jesus' words are true.
Question: Does anyone ever feel unqualified to serve others? It could be related to past failures or lack of training. How do these verses help you or encourage you?
Read John 20:23
The way to forgiveness and life was through Jesus. Jesus' entire ministry was to prove this very truth. If you reject Jesus, you will remain in your sins against God.
John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
I found this explanation helpful:
"As they proclaimed the gospel, they could honestly tell people who believed in that message that their sins were forgiven, and they could honestly tell people that did not believe in the message that their sins were not forgiven and that they stand condemned in God's eyes.
This is the very core of the gospel message and the very heart of what we are to explain to the world. It was Jesus' last command to His followers before He physically left the earth—carry forward the message of hope and save as many as will believe in Him." (GotQuestions.com)
We do not judge people because of what they have or have not done in their lives. We proclaim the hope of Christ for those who believe, and hopelessness and condemnation if they reject him. If one accepts Jesus, we can affirm with confidence forgiveness. If they reject Christ, they will remain in their sins.
When we share the gospel, our confidence should never be in what we have or have not done for Christ. We take confidence in what Christ has done for us and how he commissioned us with the Spirit. Our strength is not in what we know or do not know, but trusting the message will be the power to change hearts.
Question: Have you been scared to share the gospel with others? If so, that is normal. Why do you think it is so difficult at times?
Question: Does John 20 help in any way in giving you confidence in sharing your faith?
Praise, Prayer and Confession:
What can you offer to the Father in praise?
What is a sin you need to confess?
What is a burden we can carry?
What can we take to our Father in prayer?