The Risen King Calls Us to Live
John 20:19-23
We celebrate Easter because Jesus rose from the grave to fulfill the promises of God. There are three commandments from the resurrected King.
When Jesus left the tomb, he came to see his disciples who were hiding. Jesus understood their hearts and tells them, "Peace be with you."
John 20:19 ESV
[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.”
His disciples were also carrying much guilt. They had abandoned Jesus in His timeout need. Yet, Jesus understood their hearts and knew their fear, guilt and shame. Jesus knew it was time to bring healing and restoration.
His message of Peace be with you was to show that he had forgiven them and wanted them to come back. Jesus wanted His disciples to do His work with peace. Jesus had so much love that He could wish them peace. Jesus was strong enough to forgive them and help them on their journey.
After telling his disciples to have peace, Jesus tells his disciples to go.
John 20:21 ESV
[21] Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
We do not have to be professional missionaries to go and do God's work. We do not need to go abroad to spread God's word. We just need to be obedient and show God's love and peace.
The third thing Jesus tells His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave us His spirit, the Holy Spirit
John 20:22-23 ESV
[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 you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
How do we receive the Holy Spirit? Turn away from Sin and be baptized.
