When Jesus appeared in the midst of his disciples after his resurrection, he gave them several gifts that have continued to impact the world to this day. Let’s take a closer look at what these gifts were and what they mean.
The Gift of Peace
The first gift that Jesus gave his disciples was the gift of peace. When he appeared to them, he said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19).
This was not just a greeting but a profound statement of what Jesus had accomplished through his death and resurrection. He had brought peace between God and humanity, making it possible for us to be reconciled to our creator.
Takeaway: In our fast-paced and often chaotic lives, we can find peace through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
The second gift that Jesus gave his disciples was the Holy Spirit. He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
This was a powerful moment when the disciples received the same Spirit that had empowered Jesus throughout his ministry. The Holy Spirit would give them wisdom, courage, and strength to carry out the mission that Jesus had given them.
Takeaway: As believers in Christ, we have access to the same power that raised him from the dead through the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of Forgiveness
The third gift that Jesus gave his disciples was the gift of forgiveness. He told them that they had been given authority to forgive sins (John 20:23).
This was a radical concept at the time because only God could forgive sins. However, Jesus was giving his followers this authority as part of their role as ambassadors of God’s kingdom on earth.
Takeaway: Forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts we can perform as Christians because it reflects the same love and mercy that Jesus showed us.
The Gift of Commission
The fourth and final gift that Jesus gave his disciples was the gift of commission. He told them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21).
This was a call to action for the disciples to go out into the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. It was a reminder that they were not just passive recipients of these gifts but active participants in God’s plan for redemption.
Takeaway: As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to share his message with others and make disciples of all nations.
- In conclusion,
Jesus gave his disciples four powerful gifts when he appeared to them after his resurrection. These gifts continue to impact our lives today as believers in Christ.
We have peace, access to the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, and a commission to share the good news with others. Let us take these gifts seriously and use them to make a difference in our world today.