Scripture: John
20:19–31
As we celebrate Easter we read of the events that unfolded
after Jesus rose. This reading begins the same day Jesus rose, comes to its
point a week later, and then steps out of time to give a timeless message. This
is the account of Jesus appearing to the disciples the evening he rose. He gave
them peace, the Holy Spirit, and authority to forgive and retain sins. But
Thomas was absent and would not believe Jesus had risen, until Jesus appeared
again a week later. John informs us that the point of the whole account of
Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection is that we would believe in
Jesus and have life in him. We believe in Jesus through the sharing of this
message, and, because we believe, we live forgiven.
Teaching
Peace. Sending. The Holy Spirit. Forgiveness. These are what
Jesus focused on with his disciples after he won the victory over sin and
death. These remain forefront in the ministry of God’s people. We are people of
God’s peace. We proclaim eternal peace and reconciliation with God that
overflows to peace and reconciliation with our neighbors. We are sent. We
remember that as we go through this world we are ambassadors of God’s kingdom,
and messengers who proclaim God’s peace through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We are people of the Holy Spirit. It is he who, calls, gathers, comforts,
encourages, and teaches us God’s Word and God’s ways. He dwells within us –
individually and collectively – to give us faith and keep that faith alive. We
are, lastly, people of forgiveness. We are forgiven and forgiving. One who is
forgiven forgives others. In Jesus’ death on the cross the sins of all people
were atoned and we received forgiveness. Our mission now is to share that
forgiveness when and where we can by sharing Jesus with others.
Life
Often I have heard people speak of Thomas with a sense of
outrage that he did not believe Jesus had been raised from the dead, despite
the testimony of the other ten disciples. Because we believe in Jesus, it is
hard for us to understand why someone else would not believe. Instead of
outrage, however, we should try to be more sympathetic. It is a miracle
whenever someone cries out to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” – even for us!
Humility, gratitude, patience, and joy come to the forefront as we share the
hope that we have in the Risen Christ.
John makes it clear that he wrote so that we might, “believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have
life in his name.” That purpose also flows into our lives as Christians. We are
here so others may believe in Jesus and, by believing, have life in him. In our
jobs, our lives, and our conduct we live as examples of what it looks like to
be forgiven, and we pray that we have opportunity to share that forgiveness
with others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, on that Easter
evening you appeared to your disciples and gave them peace. You breathed on
them and gave them the Holy Spirit, sending them to do the work of proclaiming
forgiveness of sins through faith in you. Your Spirit is also in us through the
reading of your Word and receiving your Sacraments. Thank you for the
forgiveness you have given us. Forgive us for being slow to forgive and slow to
share the good news of your death and resurrection. Breathe on us anew and use
our lives to extend your forgiveness to others. Amen.
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