This week, we sit in yet another passage that describes Jesus coming to show Himself to his disciples after the resurrection.  The phrase “breathed into them” is the identical phrase used in Genesis 2 when the Lord God breathed life into Adam, who at once became a “living soul.” The Genesis “in the beginning” that opens John’s gospel is now complemented by the Genesis “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (2:7) as Jesus breathes his life-creating Spirit into his disciples. The same Spirit that moved over the chaos and became articulate in the eight “God said…” commands that created the heavens and the earth, now moves in the disciples so that they can continue the creation work of Christ, “the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15). For “everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him” (v 15). That same Spirit moves over the chaos of our lives as well, bringing form out of formlessness and fullness out of emptiness, resulting in a new creation (The Message: Eugene Peterson notes).  As you read this passage and the questions we have offered for reflection, consider sharing your thoughts with us by commenting on this blog.

JOHN 20: 19-23

That evening, on the first day of the week, 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. As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see, and he showed them his side. They were filled with joy when they saw their Lord! He spoke to them again and said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive them, they are unforgiven."

• What did you hear as you listened to the text?
• What questions might you have? 
• Imagine the scene pictured in the story in your mind. Remain gazing on Christ. Did you have any feelings as you contemplated (gazed upon)    Christ in this story?
• What in this story drew you closer to Christ?
• What is your prayer out of this passage? What do you want to say to Jesus?