Jesus’ Appearance to the Disciples
John 20:19 Netbible, on the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together and locked the doors of the place because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20:20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 20:22 And after he said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.”
When Jesus breathed on His disciples, most of the preaching I have heard has been that this was when they were born again. But not all the 120 was present and Jesus appeared too many people after this meeting it seemed to have only happened to this present group. It then brings another question that there may be no clear answer, but along with the idea of being born again – can we ask then was his breathing on the disciples a place of preparation for Pentecost placing to rest the fears of last forty days. Laying the ground work for the next forty days. Just thinking a bet.
