Praise the Lord! Imagine for a moment the stifling atmosphere in that upper room on the evening of the first Easter. From a historical perspective, the disciples weren't just "worried" — they were in a state of absolute terror.
The same Roman and Jewish authorities that had just executed their King were still patrolling the streets of Jerusalem. The doors were locked tight as a barricade against a world that felt increasingly hostile. Suddenly, without the turn of a key, the resurrected Jesus stands among them.
This leads us to a question that has puzzled many for centuries: what kind of power did Jesus actually bestow upon His followers that night? Specifically, what does it mean that we have the power to forgive — or withhold forgiveness for — sins? The answer is both simpler and more profound than you might think. Jesus has commissioned every believer to be the physical messenger of His completed work on the cross. Our "power" to forgive sins is the power of proclamation; by being sent to tell others the Good News, we open the door for them to receive the forgiveness Jesus has already provided. If we remain silent, that door stays shut.
Key Takeaways
- Peace Before Power. Jesus offers peace twice to settle our hearts before commissioning us for His work.
- The Four-Fold Invitation. Following Jesus is a progressive journey through salvation, lordship, discipleship, and service.
- Beautiful Feet, Powerful Words. Our role in the "forgiveness of sins" is to announce the Gospel so that others can believe and be saved.
- The Equipping Breath. The Holy Spirit "breathes" into us, molding our character and giving us the specific words needed for our neighbors.
The Power of a Promised Peace
In John 20, Jesus' first priority is to transform the disciples' fear into peace. He doesn't chastise them for their cowardice in the garden or their hiding in the upper room. Instead, He says, "Peace be with you." He repeats this twice — an ancient Jewish emphasis signaling a complete restoration of the soul.
Between those two blessings of peace, He showed them His hands and His side. Seeing those wounds was the necessary first step. They needed to see the historical evidence of His sacrifice and the reality of His victory over death. Only after they were "overjoyed" and settled in His peace could the mission truly begin.
A Word for Our Family: At Clayton Methodist, we know you cannot effectively carry a message of reconciliation if you are still living in a state of terror. Jesus settles the soul so that the hands can get to work.
The Four-Fold Call to Follow
As we consider our mission, we look to what Bishop Greenway identified as the "Wesleyan Way" of responding to Christ. This isn't a one-time event, but a life transformed by grace:
The Four-Fold Journey of Grace
- Salvation. This is the initial call to come and put your faith in Christ, experiencing justifying grace where our sins are pardoned and we are made right with God.
- Lordship. Beyond "being saved," Jesus calls us to let Him be the leader of our lives — directing our speech, our lifestyle, and our hearts.
- Discipleship. We sit at the feet of Jesus, immersed in His Word, so that our values are molded by His.
- Service. Finally, we are "sent" out. Just as Jesus sent the disciples two by two, He calls us to invite the people of Clayton into this same transformation.
The "Puzzling" Power: Can We Really Forgive Sins?
We eventually come to the most challenging verse in this passage, John 20:23: "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." On its surface, this sounds like we have a divine authority that belongs only to the Almighty.
However, the meaning becomes clear when we look at the Greek word for "sent" (apostellō) and flip over to Romans 10. The power lies in the proclamation. People cannot call on the name of the Lord if they haven't believed, and they cannot believe if they haven't heard.
"How can they hear without someone telling them? And how can anyone tell them unless they are sent? ...How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:14-15If we go to our neighbors and tell them that Jesus has paid for their sins, we are effectively "releasing" that forgiveness to them. If we refuse to go, we are "withholding" the message. We are the delivery drivers of God's mercy.
Why God Is in the "Forgiveness Business"
Never doubt that God is in the "forgiveness business." He doesn't want any of His creation to be destroyed. This is what we call prevenient grace — the love of God that pursues us even before we know we need Him. He is inviting people all day long.
Think of the parable of the Prodigal Son. That young man didn't just make a mistake; he spent half of his father's fortune and sinned away his entire inheritance. Yet, the Father didn't wait for a perfect apology. He ran out to meet the son while he was still "far off."
Wonderful and Amazing Grace: This is the grace we celebrate as a church family. No matter how much someone has "spent," God is ready to welcome them home as a favored child. He just needs us to be the ones to hand out the invitations.
Empowered by the Breath of the Spirit
Jesus did not simply give a command and leave us to our own devices. He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The word for breath and spirit is the same — pneuma. It is the very life-force of God.
This same Spirit is available to you today to facilitate sanctifying grace, which is the process of being "molded and shaped" to be more like Christ as we go on toward perfection. When you encounter a friend or neighbor who is "bogged down in the muck of sin" up to their chest, the Holy Spirit provides the right words and phrases to show them the way out.
You don't need a theological degree; you just need to be open to the Spirit's equipping.
Who Is Waiting for Your Word?
The mission is clear: Jesus has already provided the forgiveness. He has already won the victory. But He requires the people called Clayton Methodist to be the ones to announce it. We are sent out to extend the family table and proclaim that a new life is possible.
Who in your life is far from God? Who is hurting because they are drowning in sin?
Identify one family member, one friend, or one neighbor who needs to hear they have a "new chance in God." As we practice watching over one another in love, go to them and tell them the truth: Jesus Christ loves you, He has already forgiven you, and He wants you to come home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be "sent" by Jesus?
Being "sent" (apostellō) means your faith is an outward-facing mission. Just as the Father sent Jesus with a purpose, Jesus sends us into Clayton and beyond to share His love. It is the transition from being a student to being an ambassador of the Kingdom.
If only God can forgive sins, why does Jesus say we can?
Jesus is highlighting our role as messengers. While God is the source of forgiveness, that forgiveness is "applied" when someone hears and believes the Gospel. If we don't tell them, they remain in the "muck of sin," unaware the debt is paid. We "forgive" by delivering the news of God's pardon.
How does the Holy Spirit help us share our faith?
The Spirit acts as our equipment and guide, offering sanctifying grace to mold our character. He promises to give us the right words when we speak to others and prepares the hearts of those we are sent to reach.
What if I have sinned too much to be a messenger?
Remember the Prodigal Son! Even after he spent half his father's fortune, he was welcomed with a party. God's grace is "wonderful and amazing" because it covers everything. Like the son, you are welcomed home as a favored child, and your story of redemption is exactly what someone else needs to hear.