John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you! Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.” After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven. Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Dear Lord Jesus,
That first day of the week when the disciples were afraid, you came and brought them peace. And not just peace from the unknown that might or might not be outside their door but an even greater peace—the peace of forgiveness. The disciples had abandoned you only days prior when you were crucified. Then when the reports of you being alive surfaced, they were still in disbelief. When you came to them, you didn’t chastise or scold them for their moments of weakness; instead, you offered them your peace and showed them it was indeed you. You also reminded them that when they were in Philippi, you would give them the keys to heaven, which was forgiveness. You came to suffer and die for the entire world’s sins; that debt was paid in full.
Then you sent your disciples out with the power of the Holy Spirit and gave them and us the gift to forgive one another’s sins. So we can share the assurance that you suffered and died for all our sins, ridding each other of our guilt and removing all our shame; because you paid the price, those sins are gone as the East is from the West. Lord, thank you for your peace that only comes to us through the forgiveness of all our sins. Let our joy in this result in us sharing with those who do not know you so that they, too, can believe in you and have the peace of forgiveness. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
You can forgive others because Christ has forgiven you all your sins through his holy life, innocent suffering, and death. Jesus’ forgiveness is the key to everything. His forgiveness is what brings true peace.