John 20:19-23

Peace and Power

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 20:19-23, NLT) 19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. 20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Observation

• The disciples were hiding in fear behind locked doors. 

• Jesus appeared (the locked door didn’t stop him) and said two different times, "Peace be with you.” 

• The disciples were overjoyed when they saw Jesus. 

• He commissions them by sending them, filling them with the Holy Spirit, and authorizing them to forgive sins. 

• I know from other studies that the “breath of God," or wind, or spirit are similar words. In this passage we see Jesus literally breathing on his disciples, and they immediately receive the “wind” (the Holy Spirit). Power has come to their lives that didn’t exist before. This Holy Spirit power gives them the ability to forgive others and many other things. 

Application

• Jesus, breath on me, just like you did the disciples. I receive the presence and power of the Holy Spirit right now. 

• I am sent, empowered, and authorized. 

Prayer

Holy Spirit, breath of God, fill me again this day. I need you. Your very presence in my life allows me to commune with the Father and know his Son, Jesus. I receive you once again today. Fill me and refill me. I need your presence and power so that I can accomplish all that you have for me. Send me out so that more people will know Jesus. Help me to tell people about you, especially in churches and fellowships that don’t know you and treat you like the crazy uncle that no one wants to show up at the family gathering. 

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