Understanding the gifts of Easter

Often when we do not understand something , we move into a place of fear. As we reflect on those confusing days following Jesus’ death, no one knew what was happening and they were all scared to death. That’s where we find the disciples, locked up in fear. But this is why it is important for us to understand all the gifts Easter has to offer.

If you missed last week’s blog, we discovered through Mary at the empty tomb, that Jesus knows us by name, even when we may not recognize him. And the week before that, the guys on the road to Emmaus did not even know it was Jesus until He revealed Himself to them through the breaking of the bread.

Today, Jesus comes to us once again, in the midst of our fears. As we begin to understand the gifts of Easter, we see Jesus showing us death is not the end. For those who trust, God is always giving us new life.

Let’s look at John 20:1-31. Take time to read and reflect on the entire chapter.

Beginning at verse 19, “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²²And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

“Peace be with you!”

I cannot tell you how many times Jesus has come to me when I was locked up in fear. Struggling with my own anxiety, there is an allure in locking myself in. But when I reflect on this passage, God reveals something incredible.

They were hiding and Jesus came to them. In their fear, Jesus came. They did not even ask. Jesus just showed up. When is the last time Jesus just showed up for you?
Jesus reassures them with these words, “Peace be with you.” How many times has Jesus offered you His peace?
Then He revealed Himself to them. He showed them his hands. This is the real deal, the guy that hung on the cross days before. This is Jesus! You don’t have to wonder. Jesus will show you who He is!
Then He reassured them again. “Peace be with you.” Because often we need reassurance upon reassurance. How comforting is it to know that Jesus is always patient with us?
Then… and this is so important, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

He breathed on them.

In my struggle with anxiety, somewhere along the way, I found my breath. In doing so, that breath gave me new life. It helps me to imagine as I breathe in for a three count, in through my nose, that Jesus is breathing on me, in me and through me. As I exhale that breath, slow and controlled through my mouth, I think of God breathing his breath into Adam, the first man. Now, Jesus is doing the same for these disciples and for us. This is our creation story. God and Jesus are breathing new life into us.

The next time you are locked up in fear, I hope you think of Jesus saying, “Peace be with you.” and breathing the Holy Spirit into you.

And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

God’s spirit lives within us, in our very breath. As we embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit, we understand this is one of the biggest gifts of Easter.

Let us pray;

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, breathe on us the breath of life. Thank you for always meeting us exactly where we are. Help us to trust You more than any fear we may face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. – Leave me a comment below because I always love hearing from you and I love seeing who is reading from week to week. Forward this message to a friend that might need a little peace in their life. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, peace be with you. -M