“Receive the Holy Spirit.”

John 20:19-22, On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again! He stood among those cowering in fear for their own lives and showed them his hands and his side. He offered them the gift of his peace and breathed upon them to receive the Holy Spirit. As the Lord breathed the breath of life into the dust that formed Adam, Jesus breathes the breath of new spiritual life and sends them as the father sent him. He offers us his same peace that passes understanding, and his breath of new life as he calls us to those good works prepared for us that we should walk in them!

We receive your gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us to walk in your way, to bring glory to your name as fearlessly as these first disciples!

ESV Lectionary