Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 20: 19-23

Kara Hackert, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Transcript

Kara Hackert  0:06  

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Tuesday, April 7, and I'm Kara Hackert. Today's reading is from John 20, verses 19 through 23. It's the season of Easter, and we are living it forward.

Kara Hackert  0:23  

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  Again Jesus said, “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. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Kara Hackert 1:17  

The disciples were hiding behind locked doors, struggling with fear, uncertainty and grief. They gathered together, remembered everything that had just happened. Their teacher had been crucified, their hope was shattered. Even with whispers of resurrection, they hid in fear. And then Jesus came. No knocking, no warning, he simply stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Jesus meets them right where they are - not when they've got things figured out, not when their faith is strong, but in their fear. Instead of shame, he offers peace. Instead of disappointment, he shows them his wounds, proof of both his suffering and his victory. Then he does something unexpected - He sends them. He says, "As the Father has sent me, Iam sending you." The very people who were hiding and afraid are now called to go out with a mission and they're not sent alone. Jesus breathes on them and gives them the gift of His Holy Spirit.

Kara Hackert  2:36  

Wherever you find yourself today, maybe struggling with fear, doubt or grief, Jesus is with you, and he speaks the same words: "Peace be with you."

Kara Hackert 2:50  

Let's pray. Dear Jesus, you see into our hearts and you know our emotions and thoughts. You know if we're scared and anxious. Thank you for being with us and for bringing your peace. Help us to trust that you are always with us even when we feel unsure. Please fill us with your spirit so we can step out in faith. Teach us to live in your peace and to share that peace with those around us. Amen.