John 20

“As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (20:21). Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after His resurrection, even though they were frightened and hiding behind locked doors. The disciples included women like Mary Magdalene and many others, as well as the special “Twelve” (v24). Remarkably, Jesus gave authority and power (v23) to this entire group of believers as He breathed on them, and later the Spirit was poured out spectacularly (Acts 2).

“Receive the Holy Spirit” (20:22). We are under the same orders and empowered by the same Spirit as the first disciples. We are called to do Jesus’ work in Jesus’ name, until He returns.