Show Don't Tell: John 20:19-23

Instead of saying "Jesus appeared to the disciples and gave them the Spirit," feel the locked doors open. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples are together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus comes and stands among them: "Peace be with you!" After he says this, he shows them his hands and side. The disciples are overjoyed when they see the Lord. Again Jesus says: "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathes on them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Locked doors cannot keep him out. Fear meets peace. Breath imparts Spirit. The sent ones now become senders.