John 20:19-25

“When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’” vss. 22-23

John combines elements of Luke’s Pentecost story and Matthew’s Great Commission in telling this account of Jesus’ post-resurrection encounter with his disciples. His words are carefully chosen and tell us plainly that the dynamic energy of the Church comes directly from the Risen Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The image of Jesus breathing on the disciples is precious and calls to mind his conversation with Nicodemus in the darkness. The Spirit truly is the wind of God blowing where it wills and surprising us with unexpected energy and power.

And the words he speaks to them are the central message of the gospel! There is nothing more important to the quality of our lives than the sure and certain knowledge that our sins are forgiven. It’s the most important message the Church can give to seekers and deserves to be highlighted in every Christian worship service. Only with forgiveness can we stop being fixated on our brokenness and begin to have hope for restoration and healing. 

Sadly, because forgiveness is so precious, unscrupulous religious leaders have contrived to use it to manipulate behavior, and some even figured out how to monetize it. Still, our misuse has not destroyed its value, and it continues to be the balm that heals our deepest wounds. Praise God!

Thought for the Day: How has forgiveness been manipulated?