Jesus Revealed Pt. 19 - He Has Risen!Sample

Jesus appears to 10 disciples  

Thoughts on the Passage

This is a short passage, but there is so much here to think about.

First, Jesus comes into the upper room where the disciples are staying and blesses them. It is not a typical blessing – it is the very first time after He is raised from the dead, so it is special. Jesus, although still having a physical body, has a body that He will take to heaven where He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of lords. This body will have the glory restored to Jesus in it. It is special – and obviously scary to the disciples.

Second, Jesus breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit. Earlier in John 14 Jesus promised that the Spirit of God would be in them rather than just with them. Did that happen here? I believe it did. Some feel it happened later at Pentecost, but it sure sounds to me like Jesus filled them with the Spirit right here. The very first thing that Jesus does after He rises from the dead is give the Spirit to His disciples – that is both powerful and important. 

Third, Jesus releases authority to the disciples to forgive/or withhold forgiveness of sins. What does that mean? In the Catholic tradition, a priest speaks with this authority. However, I think it means something much more profound. Jesus could forgive sin – we saw that with the story of the paralyzed man let down through the roof and healed. Now He delegates that authority to His followers. In other words, when Jesus would speak words of forgiveness, now His followers can release it in the same situations that Jesus did. Because it is only delegated authority, if we release it carelessly (or withhold it selfishly), then we step outside of our delegated role then our authority is no longer valid. God – the One who truly forgives – is not going to release/withhold forgiveness as we declare.

Who are the people with this authority? I believe it is God’s people – not just the apostles. That is why it is in the bible here. Just remember, it is delegated authority. We need to understand how Jesus forgives – and release it only when those conditions are met. Also, it happens only after they are filled with the Spirit. We must be able to hear the Spirit and respond as He directs.

Application

We are Jesus’ representatives here in this world. That is both as light in a dark world, but also those who release His blessing to this world. Take time today to release the blessing of Jesus into our world.

Ask the Father to open our eyes to see people the way He sees them. When they truly seek forgiveness, release it.

Time to Pray

Father, You give Your children such great authority. Just like the prodigal son was given the father’s ring, we have been given Your authority in this world. Teach me how to hear Your Spirit so clearly that I will know what He wants done in my world. Then help me to use Your authority to release Your blessing. I do not want to be careless with this authority, but I also do not want to be foolish and release it without the Spirit’s direction either. So help me to hear His voice, give me boldness, and give me Your heart for my world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.