Now What?! 4-14-20
Our text for this week will be John 20:19-31
So after Jesus was raised - the first to discover him were Mary and the other Mary in John’s account. And all of the gospels have the women disciples finding Jesus first. Meanwhile, the others are hiding in shock, no idea what to do next.
When the women try to tell the others what has happened, they are skeptical. Even after going to see the tomb, Peter and the “disciple who loved him” (which is the author - John) go back to the upper room, unsure and unsettled at best.
‘When Jesus shows up to speak with them and breathes the Holy Spirit on them it seems that all is well (although Matthew’s Gospel records some stern words from Jesus about the disciple’s skepticism and disrespect to the women) and Jesus offers the hope and new possibilities.
What shocks have you been experiencing? What have you written off as a failure lately?
Are you experiencing hope in this time of pandemic? If so, where? If not, why not?
When Jesus breathes the spirit on them - the first thing he says is that forgiveness is now what they’re about. The message paraphrase here is excellent - if you don’t forgive the sins others, what are you going to do with them? Are there sins you’ve held on to that would be better forgiven?
Finally - a brief word on Thomas - with more to be said this week. One question - where do you think he was? What was he up to?
Prayer: Oh God, restore our hope in dark times, help us to draw near to Jesus as he is already near to us. Empower us to forgive, and encourage our hearts. As we continue our work and lives, strengthen us to forgive as we share your spirit. Amen.