When Jesus breathed on his disciples, it was a significant moment in the history of Christianity. This event took place after Jesus’ resurrection, and it is recorded in the Gospel of John 20:22.
The passage states that Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and said to them, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Here are some thoughts on what happened when Jesus breathed on his disciples:
The Significance of Breathing
Breathing is essential for life. Without it, we cannot survive.
When Jesus breathed on his disciples, he was giving them new life – a spiritual life that would sustain them forever. It was a powerful symbol of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons in the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter or Advocate and is given to believers as a gift from God.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has several roles in a believer’s life. First and foremost, it helps us understand Scripture and guides us in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit also empowers us to live a godly life by providing us with spiritual gifts such as wisdom, discernment, and faith.
Why Did Jesus Breathe on His Disciples?
One reason why Jesus breathed on his disciples was to fulfill prophecy. In Ezekiel 37:5-6, God told Ezekiel to prophesy over dry bones and say, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” The breath of life is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ breathing on his disciples was a fulfillment of this prophecy.
Another reason why Jesus breathed on his disciples was to commission them for ministry. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
He was giving them a mission to go out and share the good news of salvation with others. The Holy Spirit would empower them to do this effectively.
The Importance of Receiving the Holy Spirit
Receiving the Holy Spirit is crucial for every believer. It is a sign that we have been born again and are now part of God’s family. It also gives us power to live a godly life and fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.
If you have not yet received the Holy Spirit, you can ask God for this gift. Jesus promised in Luke 11:13, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
- Conclusion:
In conclusion, when Jesus breathed on his disciples, he gave them new life – a spiritual life that would sustain them forever. He gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to fulfill their mission and live a godly life.
As believers today, we too can receive this same gift by asking God for it. May we embrace this gift and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us as we seek to follow Christ.