John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 16, Day 3

Prayer

Pause for a moment of quiet and stillness. To center yourself fully, take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Repeat this process three times. Ask God to open your eyes to the amazing truths in His word today.

Bible Reading: John 20:19-23

Read these verses three times slowly.

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!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Reflection & Questions

It is now Sunday night and the disciples are all huddled together “with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.” Their fear is not unwarranted, as surely, having put Jesus to death, they will be next.

But into this moment of fear, Jesus walked through walls and “stood among them.” Can you imagine the looks on their faces?! “Peace be with you!” Jesus tells them. There is no longer need for fear, for Jesus is alive! There is no need to be locked up in a room, in fact Jesus tells them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” They aren’t to be locked up trembling, they are to be going out telling the good news of Jesus risen from the dead and that forgiveness is available to all who will trust in Him.

What does Jesus mean when he tells them: “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” It’s not that they are able to pronounce forgiveness. What it means is that they (and the church) have the authority to declare that God has forgiven the sins of those who repent and trust in Christ. This is the beautiful message we have to pass on!

1. Do you have fears in your life right now? What difference does it make to know that Jesus is alive and is with you?
2. Are you passing on the good news? Why or why not?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?