It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” (John 20:19-23, CEB)
This is the giving of the Spirit in John. It happens on the day of the resurrection.
Jesus appeared to the ten disciples behind the locked doors, because they were scared for their lives. Ten because Judas and Thomas are not there. Judas is dead, and Thomas is somewhere. Maybe not scared out in the world telling about Jesus.
But Jesus appeared, even though the doors were locked, showed them who he was, and breathed on them. As God breathed into Adam, as breath is when the Spirit comes to us.
The word for Spirit in Greek and Hebrew means wind, spirit, or breath.
Maybe it is that we are born of water and spirit. When we are born, there is a lot of water, and when we take our first breath, the spirit enters us, and we cry out.
Breath gives us life.
Spirit gives us life.
Live in the Spirit.
aSacredRebel 