John 20:19-23 | Food for Thought
Questions
This passage occurs the same day as Mary’s encounter with Jesus near the tomb. By this point, the disciples had heard the news that Jesus was alive!
If Jesus really was alive, why would the disciples have been afraid of the Jews?
What do you fear despite Jesus being alive and well and reigning?
Twice in this passage, Jesus offers his disciples peace.
Why would these words have been the first words that Jesus said to his gathered disciples after the resurrection?
Was there a lack of peace between them, among them, or in relation to the outside world?
How did the disciples respond to Jesus?
Why might Jesus feel the need to reinforce the presence of peace with his disciples a second time? Might it have something to do with what he told them next?
If Jesus brings peace to us no matter what (even we’re behind a locked door!), how are we actively receiving that peace - and living out of it - on a daily basis?
What seems to steal our peace? How do we let it? How does Jesus secure it?
Jesus revealed the wounds on his hands and in his side.
What was the significance of this? What would it have told the disciples?
Why were the disciples glad only after seeing Jesus’ wounds?
Jesus is sending his disciples, with the Holy Spirit, to preach the gospel of forgiveness of sins. Literally, the Greek says “Those who sins you forgive have already been forgiven; those whose sins you do not forgive have not been forgiven.” This points to the fact that the actual forgiveness is coming from somewhere else (the Lord!), and not from us. It’s already done (or not!); we simply get to acknowledge / recognize the Lord’s work (or not!).
Of all things to tell his disciples when commissioning them, why would Jesus choose to focus on forgiveness? What other things could Jesus have told his disciples to talk about?
What does being sent with this power to declare God’s forgiveness look like in your ordinary life? …what about withholding it?
How do you understand God withholding forgiveness? What does that mean? How does that differ with advice we often hear for us to forgive others, even if they don’t repent / seek reconciliation?
Jesus sends us with the Spirit. Are you more prone to “be sent” in your own power or to refuse to be sent in the first place?
How is Jesus authenticating the role and authority of his disciples to do such things? How does that interact with your own doubts / pride in terms of your place and part in the kingdom?
How might this story interact with Pentecost in Acts 2? (Lots of opinions!)