John 20:19-23 (NRSV)
Read John 20:19-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Verse 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Verse 21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Verse 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Verse 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Devotion
I’m not a big fan of horror movies, but I’ve seen enough to know the basic premise. Some poor soul was cruelly and unjustly put to death, and now the "ghost" of the victim is out for revenge.
Wait a minute! Doesn’t that scenario describe what happened to Jesus? Was he not cruelly and unjustly put to death on a cross? Did not one of his associates betray him? Didn’t his first officer deny he had ever met him? Did they not all abandon him in his hour of trial?
Is it any wonder Jesus had to say it three times for it to sink in? "Peace be with you." "Peace be with you." "Peace be with you." Jesus is not out for revenge. He gave himself willingly, in love. He breathes on us the Spirit of forgiveness and Shalom.
Prayer
Can it be true, O Risen Lord? You come not to condemn us, not to remind us of our failures. You come with words of peace. You breathe on us the fresh air of forgiveness. Help us to inhale slowly and deeply. Amen.