Breathing Life
Opening Prayer
Ask God to point out anything that you need to ask forgiveness for, or you need to surrender to him now.
Read John 20:19-23
[19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [20] After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. [21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. [23] If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Why do you think Jesus showed them his hands?Jesus’ breathing of the Holy Spirit on his disciples is a source of much discussion among scholars because of Acts 2. The question is whether this is simply a symbolic act, a partial anointing that is fulfilled in Acts 2 or a full anointing and, if so, how many times the Holy Spirit is given! However this event is interpreted, it is significant to note that Jesus’ actions mirror Genesis 2:7 when God breathed life into the first human he created. Now Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit–the Spirit that gives life (John 6:63)–upon his disciples. As he breathes, notice what else is going on. Jesus enters the room and twice says, “Peace be with you!” The disciples respond with joy (20). In this moment, as Jesus breathes life on his disciples, the fruits of the Spirit of joy and peace (Gal. 5:22) are evident in that place. To a people who have been living in fear behind locked doors, Jesus not only reveals himself but evidences this by breathing his Spirit and producing the Spirit’s fruit. He not only did this for his disciples, but he longs to do this for us, too!
Apply
What fruits of the Spirit are evident because of Jesus’ presence in your life? Which other fruits do you want?
Closing prayer
Ask God to give you more of his peace and joy, that others might experience it, also.
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