TOPIC: EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT
Text: John 20:19-31
20:19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
20:20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
20:24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came
20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
20:26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”
20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;
20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
STUDY:
On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, fearful of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you!” He showed them His hands and His side, and the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This passage is significant for Pentecost Sunday, as it marks the moment when Jesus imparted the Holy Spirit to His disciples. The Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers believers to live out their faith, providing guidance, comfort, and strength. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in their time of fear and uncertainty reminds us that He is always with us, offering peace and the assurance of His presence.
As we celebrate Pentecost, reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Are you open to His guidance and empowerment? Life is full of troubles and the only source of joy and unending peace is the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke about the need and work of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, “And I will pray for the father; and he shall give another comforter; that he may abide with you forever.” One of the promises of Jesus is that He will not leave us comfortless. In every challenge or trouble, the Holy Spirit equips us to be victorious, share the gospel, and live in a way that honours God. Just as the disciples were transformed by the Spirit, we, too, can experience renewal and boldness in our faith. Invite the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance in your decisions, His comfort in your struggles, and His strength in your weaknesses. Trust that He is with you, empowering you to live out your faith with courage and conviction.
Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, please empower me to overcome my fears and doubts, share my love with the world, and experience the fullness of your peace. Amen
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