“As the Father
has sent Me, I also send you,”—John 20:21
After Jesus’ death, the disciples
gathered together and shut the doors for fear of the Jews. Jesus appeared to them saying, “Peace be with you.” When the disciples saw Jesus’ hands and His
side, the Bible tells us that they were extremely glad. It was during this time that Jesus
commissioned the disciples. He said to
them, “As the Father has sent Me, I also
send you,” and then He breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you
forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any,
they are retained” (John 20: 19 – 23).
As the Father sent His Son to bring
salvation to everyone who receives it, and as Jesus sent the disciples, so is
He sending us, His Church. We are not
only to bring the message of salvation, but also to bring the spirit of its
truth—forgiveness. Salvation and
forgiveness cannot be responded to unless it is delivered. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 10, “How then shall they call on Him in whom
they have not believed? And how shall
they believe in Him of whom whey have not heard? And how shall they hear without a
preacher? And how shall they preach
unless they are sent? As it is written:
‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring
glad tidings of good things!’” Only the breath of His Spirit can enable us to
go obediently and to reach the people with love in our hearts. Many are waiting to hear the message of
salvation and forgiveness, will you go?
Prayer—Father,
I humbly submit my will to your Will, and ask you to help me to be a witness
for you, in Jesus Name. Amen.
