John 20:19-24 is about Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection, demonstrating his love, peace, and forgiveness for them despite their doubts and fears.
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 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 you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
Setting the Scene for John 20:19-24
In John chapter 20, we find the scene where the disciples are gathered together in a room, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. The disciples present in this scene include Thomas, Peter, John, and the others who had been following Jesus during his ministry. They had been through a tumultuous time, witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus and now grappling with the news of his resurrection.
The atmosphere in the room is tense and filled with uncertainty as the disciples discuss the events of the past few days. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, despite the locked doors, and greets them with the words, “Peace be with you.” The disciples are initially startled and afraid, but Jesus shows them his hands and side, proving that he is indeed alive. Thomas, who was not present during this encounter, expresses doubt about Jesus’ resurrection until he sees Jesus for himself a week later.
The room is dimly lit, with the disciples huddled together, processing the miraculous events that have taken place. The presence of Jesus brings a sense of peace and reassurance to the disciples, transforming their fear into joy and faith. This pivotal moment in the disciples’ journey solidifies their belief in Jesus as the risen Lord and sets the stage for the spread of the gospel message.
What is John 20:19-24 about?
This verse from the Bible, found in John 20:24-29, holds a deep significance for believers in the Christian faith. It highlights the importance of faith and belief in the unseen. When Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection, Thomas expresses doubt about the reality of Jesus’ presence until he sees and touches the wounds in his hands and side. This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the need for faith even when faced with uncertainty or skepticism.
Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith or beliefs, like Thomas did? This passage encourages us to trust in the unseen and have faith in what we cannot always tangibly see or touch. It speaks to the transformative power of belief and reinforces the idea that sometimes we must have faith before we can fully understand or experience the presence of the divine. Like Thomas, we may have moments of skepticism or uncertainty, but through faith, we can come to know and experience the reality of Jesus’s presence in our lives.
Understanding what John 20:19-24 really means
On the evening of the first day of the week, following Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples found themselves huddled together in a locked room, gripped by fear of the Jewish leaders. In this moment of uncertainty and apprehension, Jesus appeared among them, transcending physical barriers to offer them a profound peace that could only come from His victory over sin and death.
As Jesus greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you,” it was not a mere salutation but a declaration of the transformative peace He brings. By showing them His hands and side, He provided tangible proof of His resurrection, solidifying their faith and fulfilling His promise to them.
In commissioning His disciples with the words, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” Jesus bestowed upon them a sacred duty to continue His work on earth. This commission was not a mere suggestion but a charge to carry out His mission with purpose and conviction.
The moment Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” marked a pivotal juncture in their journey. This impartation of the Holy Spirit signified the divine empowerment they needed to fulfill their mission, reminding them that they were not alone in their endeavors.
Furthermore, Jesus’ statement regarding the forgiveness of sins underscored the weight of the authority entrusted to His disciples. They were given the solemn responsibility to proclaim the message of forgiveness and reconciliation, a task that required discernment and obedience to God’s will.
Today, the message of peace, the call to spread the Gospel, and the empowerment by the Holy Spirit remain as relevant and vital as ever. In a world marred by turmoil and strife, Jesus’ peace offers a transcendent calm that surpasses all understanding. The Great Commission continues to beckon believers to actively engage in sharing their faith and serving others, knowing that they are equipped and supported by the Holy Spirit.
In reflecting on this passage, we can draw parallels to our own lives. Just as Jesus brought peace, proof of His resurrection, a mission, and the power to fulfill it to His disciples, He offers us the same assurances today. May we embrace our calling with boldness, knowing that we are not alone in our endeavors but empowered by the Spirit and enveloped in the peace of Christ.
How can we overcome fear and doubt to spread peace?
One way to overcome fear and doubt in order to spread peace is to remember the source of our strength and courage. We can find the inner strength to face our fears and doubts by focusing on our faith and the teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness. When we truly internalize these values, we can extend them to others, spreading peace through our words and actions.
Another approach is to surround ourselves with a supportive community that shares our values and beliefs. When we gather with like-minded individuals who offer encouragement, understanding, and empathy, we can draw strength from each other and overcome our individual fears and doubts. Community support can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, empowering us to confidently spread peace despite any uncertainties or anxieties we may have.
Lastly, by practicing mindfulness and staying present in the moment, we can prevent our fears and doubts from overwhelming us. When we focus on the here and now, we can better control our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to act with clarity and purpose. This mindfulness enables us to be more open-minded, accepting, and peaceful in our interactions with others, fostering a harmonious environment that encourages unity and understanding.
Application
Imagine your life as a busy office or a bustling home filled with the noise of daily struggles. John 20:19-24 calls you to embrace the peace that Jesus offers, a calm amidst the chaos. Just like the disciples, who received this peace even in their moments of fear and doubt, you too can be a beacon of calm. Share this peace with your family, colleagues, and in your community. Will you be the one to spread this much-needed harmony today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.